Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Dealing with an illness of a loved one can make us feel helpless. All kinds of questions arise: “Am I doing enough? Am I doing the right thing? Will I have enough money to pay for all of this?” It is easy to get mired in “I” trouble, thinking that we have to handle everything on our own.
God encourages us to humbly remember that He is in control. We can go to Him with our concerns and rely on His promise to care for us and those we love. The One who provided for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life promises also to care for the physical needs of His children. Our Father lovingly places others in our lives to help with the care-giving – it may be another family member or even a concerned friend. God can use anyone to be His hands of comfort during challenging times. And God can use us to strengthen the bonds of love and friendship between caregiver and patient.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Palabra de Vida, Detroit, Mich. – Lord of the Church, we thank you for opening hearts to your Word in Detroit to grow our mission congregation Palabra de Vida. We pray that you would bless the work of the pastors there as they meet people at their homes and workplaces. Also bless the work of Peace Lutheran School in the suburbs of Detroit as they teach God’s love to children and connect with parents. Amen.
- Lord, grant strength and comfort to Dianne Robertson and her family as you have called home to heaven her mother, Janet Stirmel. Remind Janet’s loved ones of your victory over death and your promise of the resurrection. May their Easter celebration this year give them a special measure of hope and peace knowing that Janet has received the goal of her faith, the salvation of her soul.
- We join Tim & Shirley Crosslen in prayer and concern for Tim, who will soon begin chemo treatments for cancer again. We pray that another treatment to boost his immunities is also effective. Bless them as they watch and pray and trust you for their future.
- Sarah Smith’s Grandfather Nels Harvey has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It has been just over a year since he was last diagnosed and treated for pancreatic cancer. It appears that surgery did not get it all and the same cancer has spread to his lungs. We ask for the faith to trust fully in your plans for him.
- Pete Suelflow requests prayers for Cari, who will be going through a heart catherization and balloon procedure with possible placement of stents. Lord, when our hearts are weak teach us to depend all the more on you.
- We rejoice that the Spirit has answered our prayer as Heidi Fischer has accepted the divine call for 1-2nd grade & Music in our LES. Heavenly Father, we ask you to richly bless her labors of love and grant her wisdom as she returns to the classroom and serves our children and families.