Jeremiah 21:35, “I will give rest and strength to those who are weak and tired.”
This week seems to be a tiring week. But no matter how tired my body and mind may be feeling, my thoughts turn to two ladies who I can’t hold a candle to in the tired department.
This week I’ve chatted with two ladies who exemplify God’s strength.
My sister-in-law, Jan, is going through a difficult time right now with her mother. They found out less than two months ago that she had a fast growing form of brain cancer. Jan and her sister have been taking turns coming down from Georgia to take care for their mom for a week at a time. Last week Ms. Jean, Jan’s momma, lost the use of her left side. This required Jan to do some unexpected lifting. She called the family in for the weekend. Her sister is now staying as well, and the two daughters are helping their mom around the clock. They get very little sleep, but you sure couldn’t tell it. The daughters and Ms. Jean look beautiful. I’m so inspired by Jan’s strength, which she knows comes straight from the Lord.
Jan made the comment that she is so tired she can’t find the words to pray, so when others tell her that they are praying for them, she is counting on those prayers. Jan, I am lifting you and your family up in prayer daily. I love you.
I was reminded of Romans 8:26, “The Spirit helps us. We are very weak, but the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We don’t know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself speaks to God for us. He begs God for us, speaking to him with feelings too deep for words.”
Then, just last night I had the opportunity to speak with a precious friend from church. Her family has been combating brain cancer in her little girl, Natalie. She has been in remission. Even when Natalie was in the midst of it all, she was full of strength, compassion, and determination.
Natalie was wearing me out just telling me about all the activities (two cheer teams, dance classes, etc.) that she is active in. She is a little bundle of complete delight!
Shannon, Natalie’s mom, was telling me how she herself is finishing school, working, going to numerous doctor’s appointments with Natalie, keeping track of her other two children, and trying to just keep it all together on very little sleep. Oh how I have been compassionately praying for her to rest in His arms and be lifted by His strength. She is. Shannon knows it. She trusts in God’s provision.
So when I think I’m tired from my life’s daily happenings, all I have to do is think of my dear girlfriends who are letting their light shine for God in the midst of tough and tiring times. Jan and Shannon, you are an inspiration to me.
I pray God’s abundant love and blessings for y’all.
