We recognize November as National Family Caregivers Month to honor the over 40 million
caregivers across the country who support aging parents, ill spouses or other loved ones with
disabilities who remain at home.
“Beon your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong,” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
It can be a daily struggle for caregivers, to maintain continual firm faith. We expect caregivers to manage the physical and emotional needs of the ones they care for. Sometimes dealing with spiritual needs can be part of a caregiver’s responsibilities. This is a hard place to be.
The constant cheerleader. Pouring out so much of themselves into a loved one who needs
care. Some without appreciation or recognition. Who cheers the caregiver? It can be a challenge
to stay positive and stand strong.
Many caregivers will not expose their authentic emotions. They bottle their feeling as a
means of protection against experiencing the hurt and pain. Other caregivers may become
depressed and experience hopelessness.
Caring for a loved one can be a constant reminder of suffering and pain. The negative
health reports, the seemingly inexhaustible complaints, and watching a loved one struggle may
weaken the caregiver’s faith.
In my decade of caregiver for my husband, there were instances I experienced despair.
But it was those moments that reminded me of the faithfulness of God. When my anguish was
great, and it felt as if God had left me to complete the task on my own. It was my faith in Him
that reminded me he is still with me. Faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that every promise
He gave is true. In my weak moments, he was my strength, and I trusted that He would not let
me fall.
Caregivers, he is with you. Hold fast to your faith, and your conviction. Everything you
believed to be true about God when the light is shining is true in the dark moments. He is
still there. Just when you think you can’t go any farther, remind yourself of one of the many
promises in His Word. Stand strong, the truths from God’s Word are sure.
