Today’s devotional is from Shelly and we are excited to share in her joy that she has her first two books published. They are called You’re Chronically Ill . . . So Now What? and Your Loved One is Ill . . . So Now What?. We are thrilled to be able to carry them in our shop and the proceeds benefit Rest Ministries.
So . . . onto today’s devotional! We say we rely on God’s strength but Shelly reminds us how to truly, fully rely on His strength when we are most fearful. May you be blessed.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12).
Learning to be content. Tall order most days, right? At least it is for me.
Most days I struggle to even believe that I can do this . . . whatever this is. I need to remember that there’s another verse there, and it’s the verse that holds the key.
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
I need to remember that I have been just as certain at each and every stage of this chronic illness journey, that I “couldn’t do this.”
And I wasn’t just saying it. No, I meant it with every fiber of my being. I shouted it into the night with panic lacing my voice.
But, I could . . .
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
There was not a doubt in my mind that I could not manage chronic. I knew it in my bones that daily pain was impossible to endure.
Each and every crazy-scary diagnosis that was added like letters after my name was met with complete certainty that this would be the straw that finally breaks the camel’s back. (In the scenario where I am said camel.)
And yet . . .
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
It’s finally starting to sink in, but I’m sure that’s only temporary. The next revelation will surely shake me to the core again. But the next time I just can’t do something, I hope I remember the truth:
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
Prayer: Lord, please keep pouring Your strength into our worn-thin places. We can do this, because we are not alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
About the author:
Shelly Hendricks is a wife and mother of 2 amazing kids. They live the good life in South Louisiana. She is a writer for God’s glory. She also suffers from Intracranial Hypertension and a yet-unnamed neuro degenerative disease, among a myriad of other issues mostly stemming from these two. She had brain surgery in 2012, to install a VP Shunt, and had a revision in January 2014. Though her condition continues to deteriorate, her spirit is constantly focused on eternity. Disability has been hard to deal with, but she depends on God for all strength and hopes to encourage others on this journey, through her blog at http://reneweddaily.com
What are you facing right now that you feel you cannot do? Do you remember that you have the strength of Christ?
This is the song “What It Feels Like” with the group FFH. Shelly brought this song to my attention and wow . . . the lyrics were are so powerful. I hope it gives you a moment today to find true strength–His strength. -Lisa
Lots of days are really hard and I can’t even imagine doing it without God’s strength. I would like to comment more, but just signing in is complicated for me some days. I wish we could sign in once and have it covered. I had a 17 hour brain surgery 10 years ago, and one could say, in view of that, I am doing well. I don’t have much physical pain, just some fibro stuff that keeps me from sleeping. One side of my body is lame causing some issues, but my heart is on that side and God must have wanted me to live thru this because I begged Him to take me in the hospital. I had a 1% chance to live when I was born…but here I am in living color 64 years later. I have 2 yorkies and a cat who are great little helpers in lonliness. I manage to live on my own, tho I have had to downsize. A few years ago, about 4 or so, I started getting really frustrated with all my complications, so my daughter came to move me to her place. Her husbands leukemia came back and it was too complicated for me to live in the chaos there. I live in a county that has the greatest social services and everybody there helps me alot! In my alone times, Jesus gets me thru. I couldn’t do any of this without Him.
Shelly – loved how you shared this reality.
I can think of nothing I do that is NOT God’s strength helping me move among other activity.
While I am so engaged, He is so real that it is as if I am not “there” at all for all I “feel” is the weakness but then there is the strength and joy.
It is beyond human understanding unless we have experienced Him in these ways.
I can’t say it enough – congratulations for the publication of your books.
What a testimony to what you have just written. I know it is not only His gift to you to write so beautifully – but His strength to you to get it done and out and now OUT to so many more who will be blessed as the read. I am so happy Lisa can carry your book here at RM in their store for the readers to get word about it being available. HOORAY!
Love,
Lynn
Thank you, sweet Lynn!!! <3 Your friendship is such a balm to me. You are SO right about His intervention being beyond human understanding unless we have experienced Him in these ways. Perfectly said. And in light of that, how blessed we are!!! Wow. Much to contemplate.
Love and Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Oh Shelly!! Your devotional made me teary from the first few words, then I began gut-wrenching tears that came out of nowhere! You’ve touched a really deep chord in me (via the Holy Spirit) that needed to be touched tonight during a tough time living away from my family, to avoid chemicals from house renovations, while our house is being sold. I’m typing through tears, as tonight’s situation, that is too complex to explain, has had me feeling totally useless & really lonely!
I’d asked God to speak to me in a tangible way….. preferably with a neon sign!! He used you to bless me! So “the next time I just can’t do something, I hope I remember the truth: “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). ”
Your prayer of: “Lord, please keep pouring Your strength into our worn-thin places. We can do this, because we are not alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”….. spoke deeply into my soul & was healing balm. 🙂 I am “worn-thin”, but God is my strength & I am NOT alone! Hallelujah!! There’s even a smile through the tears! Thank you for your gift of writing dear Shelly! You always speak deeply into my soul, which I know is the Holy Spirit speaking through your words from a place of deep suffering. Keep writing Shelly! God bless you abundantly. LOTSoluv Kerryn
Oh, Kerryn, your comment has ME in tears right along with you!!! God is SO amazing, connecting our hearts a world apart. I love you and am praying for you. <3 Heart Hugs, Shelly
Oh thanks dear Shelly!
I meant to tell you that I bought your ebook about being chronically ill quite a while ago & truly look forward to reading it. However, life currently isn’t allowing the energy I need to focus on reading. (I’m needing all of my energy to care for myself as best I can, while living away from my beloved hubby & eldest son, who normally are my carers.) It will happen in God’s perfect timing! I’m DELIGHTED that you have been sooooo determined to get them published!! God job girl!!! 🙂 God bless. LOTSoluv Kerryn