It’s days like today that make being 8500 miles from “home” incredibly challenging.
My husband and daughter aren’t feeling well, but my son really seems sick. I remind myself of my commitment to serve my family before serving in ministry, so I cancel the 4 meetings scheduled for this afternoon. Admittedly, I feel inconvenienced, which makes me think for a moment that I’m not so great at motherhood.
I remember my exhaustion and that I’ve been up since 2am holding my feverish son so that he could finally sleep. Watching him deteriorate overnight, I contemplated going to the nearest (trustworthy) hospital, which is over an hour away, instead of waiting for the first available doctor’s appointment that we’d scheduled as a precautionary measure two days ago. I spend the morning watching and waiting and exhaling quick prayers.
The doctor’s office is comfortable – although I can’t read the majority the seemingly important signs posted around the receptionist’s desk. The nurse and the doctor speak with one another in a foreign tongue, then turn to me to share in English what I presume are the essentials (I’m reminded of my intention to learn a local language, but with over 11 to choose from I’ve never made a committed effort). My son has pneumonia and an infection in each ear. To keep him out of the hospital, we must go for “percussing” on his lungs (strategically hitting his chest) and breathing treatments with a physiotherapist. I look at my son and take-in his 4-year-old frame visibly weakened by this infection and I know that this treatment will seem like torture to him – feeling equally as painful in my heart. Another quick prayer escapes with my exhale.
Just as my three large cups of coffee and my prayers for even more grace seem to be wearing off – God breaks in to the chaos of the day and puts His Word, just the right words, in front of me:
I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” – Isaiah 65:24
I think about the long list of other responsibilities that have tried to occupy my thoughts today: The staff I know are waiting on meetings with me, the repairs needed in the cabins for our current short-term mission team, the emails from friends sitting in my inbox seemingly forgotten or overlooked, the newsletter that needs written, the bills that need paid, the meal-planning and grocery shopping that needs done for our houseguests and the list goes on, growing longer but put aside.
And then I’m overwhelmingly comforted, as I absorb God’s promise that He’s already involved in the details of my life before I even carve out time to sit at His feet and let them spill out of my heart through prayer. Suddenly the distance I feel from all of the things instinctively comforting for me feels bridged – by a love that encompasses me anywhere and everywhere. I breathe in deep and my heart settles into peace, even in the midst of circumstantial chaos.
Wherever you are today and whatever you are doing (or putting aside), find both comfort and courage in knowing that God is passionate about the details of your life – and He’s responding to them even at this moment.
By Amy Riep, author of Deep Roots & Wide Wings
Leave a Comment
Jennifer says
Absolutely beautiful & timely. Thank you!
Robin ~ PENSIEVE says
Loved this:
“Suddenly the distance I feel from all of the things instinctively comforting for me feels bridged – by a love that encompasses me anywhere and everywhere.”
How beautiful when our flesh-bound reactions are covered with the Spirit who lives within and without. Heartfelt, encouraging words this morning, Amy. Thank you for what you’re doing at expense to personal comfort (but for glory to God).
🙂
Amy says
Hi Robin – thanks for reading today and for your thoughtful comment!
Katie McNemar says
This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you so much for sharing.
Amy says
Hi Katie- I love it when God puts just what we need to hear in our path… and my heart is thankful to have been part of that for you today. I love the way (In)courage often leaves my soul saying “yes…thank you!”
Jenny says
Love this… how beautiful!
we are leaving for Africa tomorrow… so i love the scriptural reminder that God knows what we need even before we ask 🙂
Amy says
Safe travels Jenny! Have you ever been to Africa before? If not… brace yourself, a part of your heart is about to be claimed!
Erica Hale says
Wow, this is beautiful and uplifting, thank you. I am heading over to your blog to get to know you better!
@ngie says
That verse is perfect, Amy. Thank you for speaking the truth that even in the midst of the fatigue and busy-ness God can and will break in. You are amazing!
Brandy says
Love this!! Thank you for sharing!
Becky K. says
This is so what I needed to hear today! With two little ones sick and sleepless nights etching permanent dark circles under me eyes, I am right there with you, my friend! Praying for God’s healing for your little guy, and for His strength and grace and perspective for you and me both. Hang in there. You’re doing great!
Grandma Patty Ann says
Thank you honey. I needed this today. I hope your little one gets better real quick. It is hard to be away from home when things are going well and when things go wrong it is devastating. I am thinking we are home as long as we are with God and maybe that thought will help.
I love you,
Grandma Patty Ann
Jeniffer says
This is definitely something I needed to hear today as well! It’s so good to know that He is there, even when we feel that we aren’t doing our very best. I have a hard time some days because I’m measuring myself against my version of perfection instead of rejoicing in who He has made me to be. How good to know that He sees this and already has healing in mind!
Jeri @godsdreamsforme says
I will be pondering over that verse tonight and knowing it’s true for me! He really is passionate about me and my life’s details.
Holley Gerth says
“Comfort and courage”–I love that you put those two words together, Amy. When I read that it seemed so right and yet I don’t think I’ve ever thought of how the two can be connected before. Thanks for your perspective, for being here in this place with us and carrying us with your words all the way to where you are too.
Char says
You give me courage daily. Thanks for sharing so beautifully with us what God shows you in the everyday adventure of life.
Katie says
I love how God breaks through and is present through the crazy and seemingly mondane details of life.
Anna says
Amy, you are on my heart today….
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