I have been struggling, gasping, going down for the third time these past weeks. Caregiving has been brutal. Suddenly, unrecognized, blamed, abused. I can't seem to stay in the loving place. I find myself blowing up, bursting into tears. Waking up, after a few hours of sleep, suffocated by guilt, shame, panic. I don't have whatever it is that it takes to do this thing. I am bankrupt.
But then I look up and hanging in front of me is the bookmark my BFF made me. Fallen from its perch on the shelf, right there at eye level, a message. Caught by the cross tied at the end of the string. A lifeline, life preserver.
My Spirit will help you in your weakness (Romans 8:26).
I breathe in Life. Yes Lord, thank you that you come along beside me, you supply "help that exactly corresponds"[i] to my need. Thank you for your Spirit, your power, your grace, your there-is-none-like-You help in my weakness. And thank you for the gift of this sweet sister-friend, nudging, encouraging, cheering me on. Cheering me forward.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights ... James 1:17
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26 (ESV)
Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 (NLT)
Caught by the cross ...
[i] HELPS Word-studies, Discovery Bible
Photo by Sheila Bair
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