What do we cling to when medications fail, friends fall away and nothing seems to feel secure? Vicki shares our true foundation.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
He had to be in pretty bad condition to lean on me. My husband had vertigo.
“Here, lean on me,” I offered.
He accepted, in spite of the possibility my weak arm could fail him. He was desperate.
Has your illness caused you to feel desperate? Reach out to one who can steady you.
Some illnesses lead to physical instability. Most illnesses test our spiritual stability.
I thought my faith was firm until multiple sclerosis (MS) invaded my predictable life. MS snatched certainty away. That’s when I realized I had been finding security in my plans—plans that MS often disrupted. So, I had to rely on what WAS certain: God’s plans for me.
Because I can no longer depend on my plans for the future, MS tempts me to feel afraid or sad.
What if I can’t continue doing the things I love? I feel useless. Who can help me?
I still want to schedule events, but can’t be sure I’ll have the energy. So, I look to Him for wisdom. It’s getting easier to ‘read’ His itinerary for my life.
The key to physical or spiritual stability is to select a strong arm. What stronger arm could we choose than God’s? The psalmist delighted in God’s powerful hand.
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand” (Psalm 37:23-24).
“The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down” (Psalm 145:14).
“Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to You; Your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:7-8).
Reach for God’s help. You’ll join the psalmist in his response. God’s power and presence will cause you to “sing and cling.”
Prayer: Dear God, when my faith is shaky, thank You for increasing my confidence in You. My focus shifts back to You, and I find myself on a firm foundation once again. Help me trust You with my future. By faith, I put my hand in Yours today. Guide me to the activities You’ve prepared for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 33 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her blog, she reaches out to other mothers of children with mental illness. http://mentalillnessmom2mom.net/
Vicki wrote a picture book about bullying: Heart Eyes: Beth and the Bullies. You can find out more about that book by visiting her Heart Eyes website: www.hearteyes.net
How do you ‘read’ God’s itinerary for your life?
This is Andy Cherry singing “Our God’s Alive.” It is an upbeat, encouraging song, that reminds us of the power, the strength of our God. He has overcome all of these problems that seem so huge to us! As the song says, “only He alone can save us.” As I celebrate my 46th year on earth today, I am clinging to a God I know who has already won all the battles, already overcome the challenges I face, and I can securely put my faith in Him. Hugs, -Lisa
I have been receiving your devotionals for a few months and greatly appreciate them, however, today was one of those that SPOKE to me in such a relevant way, I just wanted to comment. It opened with this question, “What do we cling to when medications fail, friends fall away and nothing seems to feel secure?” That was EXACTLY what I was dealing with! The side effects from a medication were causing me nausea, I just had to stop another med due to the side effects AND I was grieving over a lost friendship that happened to a great degree because of my health. I started fretting about my future and started fearing. I did not read the devotional when it came in my box, but many hours later, it was like a direct word from the Lord for me! Thank you, Vicky, for sharing about our true foundation!
Dear Colette,
Somehow I missed your response. I first thought it was probably because the 19th was our son’s birthday. That was a busy day, but then I realized God wanted me to read it today. Perhaps you need my reply more today.
I can’t imagine all you’re going through…the frustration about medication (nausea and side effects), grief, betrayal, and fear. I’m grateful God used this message to speak directly to your heart…that the verses from Psalms and Isaiah encouraged you. I’m heading out to do my 30 mins. of water walking and plan to pray for you the entire time.
With a sympathetic heart,
Vicki
I love that verse from Isaiah Vicki and have clung to it so often 🙂
Thanks for sharing how God is providing stability in your circumstances. Your prayer – “By faith, I put my hand in Yours today.” – such a wonderful prayer to use as we start each day!
Blessings,
Fiona
Hi Fiona,
Yes, ours is a faith walk…trusting God once again at the start of each new day. Each morning challenges us to wobble on our own or place our hand in His, to trust Him to take us wherever He leads.
Wabble fighter, faith desirer,
Vicki
Thank you Vicki for these encouraging words. I love Isaiah 41:10! We are in a situation that only God can fix but I have a tendency to try to work it out myself. The Lord is my strong arm not me!
Dear Janet,
Sorry to hear about your situation (so serious that only God can fix). However, it sounds like you’re winning the battle…you’ve got a clear focus on Who will fix the problem. “I have a tendency to try to work it out myself”: you and me both! Congrats on overcoming that tendency with this situation.
Sending this off with prayers for God to encourage you by revealing His power and plan,
Vicki
Vicki, Sweet words of encouragement.
Thank you so for sharing a piece of you and your Hubby’s challenging walk.
Deff understand the vertigo, I know others here do too! But I love how you can not only lean on one another, but point the way to leaning on our Father in heaven.
Blessings, di
Dear di,
So sorry to know you understand the vertigo. It was tough enough watching my hubby experience it…can’t imagine going through it myself. Ugh.
That’s why your words are such a powerful testimony…in the midst of your vertigo, you absolutely lean on our Father (I have no doubt!). And I’m encouraged to know there are many others who visit RM who also endure vertigo with the same determination to keep their eyes fixed on Christ, with their hand clasped firmly in His.
Grace and peace,
Vicki