Shelter from a Stranger

I attend an online chronic illness support group each week, and last week we told stories of God's faithfulness in our lives. Throughout the week we had been mulling over the question, "What stories of God's past faithfulness offer you stability when your circumstances feel at odds with God's goodness?" And then when we met together, a few of us shared stories of times when we could clearly see God's faithfulness.

The story I shared was of a time when Will and I were the recipients of God's protection and generous hospitality from a stranger. This is a story I shared online many years ago as a guest post, but I have never shared the whole story here. So today I would like to republish an edited version of my original guest post from November 2011.

Will and I lived in Alaska in our early years of marriage. While we were there, God placed many people in our lives who showed us hospitality in generous ways. One family in particular I will never forget.  

Will and I lived in Glennallen, which is about 200 miles northeast of Anchorage by way of the Glenn Highway. We often drove to Anchorage for shopping trips or to go to the airport. On this particular day in October of 2004, we were driving back home to Glennallen at night. We left Anchorage around 8:00 in the evening and began the long drive home. We soon ran into snow, but by the time we realized how bad the snowstorm was, we had no option but to keep going, and so we did.

It was not an easy drive. We were crossing a mountain range, and the roads were winding and narrow. Sometimes there were very steep drop-offs, and there were no guardrails. I prayed constantly as we were driving, “Lord, please don’t let us go off the road.”

We continued on for many hours until eventually we could go no further. The snow was too deep, and our car could not make it up the hill. We knew that it wouldn’t be wise to spend the night in the car on the side of the highway, especially considering my fragile health, but there was no way to get home until the roads were plowed.

God was watching over us, and He caused us to become stuck in the snow very close to Victory Bible Camp, a Christian camp in the Chugach Mountains. We decided that we would turn around, drive back down the hill, and drive down the camp road as far as we could.

There were many missionaries who lived year-round at Victory Bible Camp, but we did not personally know any of them. We were going to have to ask a stranger for help. We drove until we got stuck, and then we knocked on the door of the nearest house. By this time it was 2:00am. A startled and sleepy man answered the door, and we said, “Hi. We are Will and Rachel Lundy from Alaska Bible College. We are stranded in the snowstorm, and our car is stuck in your driveway. May we stay here for the night?”

This man graciously opened his door and invited us into his family’s home. He told us that earlier that day his wife had put clean sheets on the guest room bed and clean towels in the guest bathroom. We were welcomed to make ourselves at home.

Weary from the intense driving, we crawled into bed, grateful for a safe, warm place to lay our heads for the night. We were so exhausted that we didn’t wake up until 9:00 in the morning. We showered and dressed and then nervously went downstairs to meet the family who was hosting us.

The man we had met the night before was out plowing the camp roads, so we never got to see him again. However, we did meet his lovely wife and children. His wife gave us breakfast and talked with us as if it was the most normal thing for us to be in her kitchen! She said that we could come back anytime we needed a place to stay. What an extravagant example of hospitality!

Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers…” (NIV). How thankful I am that this family chose to welcome us into their home in our time of need. We were hungry, and they gave us something to eat. We were thirsty, and they gave us something to drink. We were strangers, and they invited us in (Matthew 25:35). They spared us from a long, cold night in our car. One day the King will say to them, "'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me'" (Matthew 25:40, NIV).

I cannot remember the name of the family who opened their home to us, but I will never forget their godly example in showing hospitality to strangers in need. I am thankful for their willingness to give us a safe, warm place to spend the night.

And I am thankful to the Lord who so faithfully cared for a chronically ill wife and her husband who were stranded in a snowstorm. He kept our car from going off the road and sliding down the side of the mountain. And He caused our car get stuck near where we would find a safe place to stay. God was faithful to protect us and provide for us in our time of need.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (Philippians 4:19-20, NIV).

How has God shown His faithfulness in your life? Please share your story in the comments to encourage your fellow believers!

Photo: Glenn Highway in the Winter, by Kelsey Gray. Used with permission.

Book Review: I'm Praying for You

When we go through suffering, or when we know someone who is suffering, it can be hard to know how to pray. We often pray for relief, but we may struggle to know what to pray for beyond that. If you could use some ideas of ways to pray for someone who is suffering, I recommend I'm Praying for You by Nancy Guthrie. This book is filled with biblical wisdom and helpful direction on ways to pray.

There are 40 devotions that are encouraging and filled with truth. The devotions are short, so if you struggle with brain fog, this might be a book you could read.

After each devotion, there is a prayer to pray for your friend who is suffering. Then there is a QR code that you can scan, and it will copy a short message that you can text to your friend. This message tells your friend what you are praying for them that day based on the devotion you just read.

There is space for journaling after each devotion in the book. If this is a book you will be keeping for yourself, this is a great way to take notes on what you are learning or write a prayer of your own.

If you wish to give it away, this book could be made into a very special gift for a friend who is suffering. You could read through the devotions and pray for your friend each time you do, texting them the copied message to let them know what you are praying. After each devotion, you could either write an encouraging note to your friend in the journaling space, or write a prayer for your friend in your own words.

When you finish reading and journaling through the book, you could give the book to your friend. They would have the encouraging devotions to read, and they would have your notes and prayers at the end of each chapter. The words from Scripture and the prayers from a friend would be very meaningful to a friend who is suffering.

Whether you keep this book as a resource, or gift it to a friend, I'm Praying for You is sure to be a blessing!

5:00 AM Fears

It was 5 a.m. My husband, Will, and I woke to a clattering sound in the apartment. Soon we heard sobbing, and we watched as our youngest came running into our bedroom. 

"Gresham!" I called to him, and he ran to my side of the bed. I scooped him up in my arms and brought him into bed with my husband and me. As I tucked him tight against my side, I asked, "Did you have a bad dream?"

But Gresham was too sleepy to answer. Instead, he snuggled close as his tears subsided, and he relaxed into me. He had brought his fears to the right place, and all was well again. He stayed in our bed for the rest of the night, thankful for the comfort of Mom on one side and Dad on the other.

When nightmares come in the night, my son knows just what to do. He runs to his parents where he knows that he will find safety and comfort. He doesn't remain in his bed, trying to face his fears alone. He doesn’t tough it out and try to fix it on his own. No, he comes to us with his fears right away. He lets us comfort him and give him courage. Once Gresham was in my arms, his fears were gone. He knew he was safe.

As I lay in bed awake that night, I marveled at the example of trust my son had shown to me. I considered my own behavior. When something frightens me, am I as quick to run to the Lord with my fears and anxieties? Or do I first take time to worry and try to solve the problem by myself, running to God only if I don’t think I can fix it on my own? Oh, how I want to be like little Gresham and immediately run to my Heavenly Father and tell Him what concerns me!

Tim Keller has said, “The only person who dares wake up a king at 3:00 a.m. for a glass of water is a child. We have that kind of access.” Gresham has that kind of access to his parents in the middle of the night. And we have that kind of access to our Heavenly Father, the King of the universe. What an immense privilege! It is one that we best not neglect.

When Gresham needed help in the night, he had to wake me up before I could offer comfort. But thankfully, we have a God who never slumbers or sleeps. We do not have to wake Him up before we can pour out our hearts to Him. He is always there, always ready to listen to our cries for help.

Our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to call to Him. If I, an imperfect human, love my son and want him to come to me in the middle of the night when he is afraid, how much more does God love us, His children, and want us to come running to Him when we are afraid and needy? The writer of Hebrews said, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, ESV). There is always help to be found at the throne of grace.

Moreover, we are told not to be “anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV). Indeed, we are exhorted to cast all of our anxieties on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). What a blessing to have a God who is ready to hear our fears and give us peace!

Today, if fears and worries assail you, don’t waste time trying to power through hardship on your own. First, go running to your Heavenly Father. Pour out your heart to Him. The God of all comfort is waiting for you. Let Him carry you through whatever worries you have today. He has grace and mercy to help you in your time of need.

Photo by samira sadeqi on Unsplash

When Prayers for Healing Hurt

Five years ago I was talking with Will about how painful it is when people say they are praying for my healing. It's something that isn't often spoken of by those with chronic illnesses, but when people pray for our healing, sometimes it just hurts. After I cried and poured out my heart to Will, he told me, "You need to blog about this. Don't post it right now. But someday, you need to post it."

Someday has come. Here is my post from five years ago.

Photo by Ruben Hutabarat on Unsplash

October 16, 2017

I have lived with a chronic illness for 22 years. For the past 13 years this illness has been disabling to the point that I am primarily confined to my home due to extreme fatigue. And even when I am in my home, I have to be in bed resting for 18 hours a day or more.

I have prayed for healing, but so far God’s answer to that request has been, “no.” Over the years of illness I have learned to pray for new things – strength to persevere, a heart of compassion for others, a spirit that is submissive to the Father’s plan, joy in painful circumstances, patience in suffering, a thirst for God’s Word, opportunities to share the gospel with others, that the Lord would use me because of my circumstances.

I fully believe that God could heal me. He is more than able to restore strength and energy to my body. But I have learned to be content with illness, and I rarely pray for healing anymore. 

My hope isn’t in healing. My hope is in Jesus.

My hope isn’t in better days. My hope is in Jesus.

My hope isn’t in having energy. My hope is in Jesus.

If God chooses to heal me someday, I will gratefully and gladly accept that. But it is a choice that I leave up to Him. I don’t spend much energy praying for healing anymore. Once or twice a year, in a moment of desperation, I cry out to the Lord, and I ask for healing. Through tears of sorrow and weariness, I ask for the illness to be taken away and for strength to be restored. I admit my weakness and weariness of the suffering, and I submit to God’s will, whatever that may be.

When Paul was given a thorn in his flesh, he pleaded with God three times for it to be taken away. And God said, “no.” God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” There isn’t any indication that Paul continued to pray for relief. Instead, he accepted the Father’s will.

When someone tells me that they are praying for my healing, and they don’t say they are praying for anything else… it hurts. When healing is the primary focus of someone’s prayers for me, it feels like a rejection of me as a person. Like something is so wrong that it must be fixed before I can have a happy and productive life.

I wish that instead of staying on the outside and praying for my healing that people would step into my life, as it is, and be my friend in the here and now. I wish that people would join me in my limitations, accept me for who I am, and see the value in my life as it is right now.

For more than 20 years people have been praying for my healing, and for 20 years God has said no. I am content with that. I am willing to leave the choice up to Him. I am willing to wait until Heaven for my healing. If God wants to heal me before then, great! I’ll take it! But in the meantime, I want to embrace the life He has given me. I want to live the life I have!

Will you join me? Will you step into my broken life? Will you be my friend in sickness? Will you pray for my spiritual strength and endurance? Will you pray for my peace? Will you pray that God will comfort me in my loneliness? Will you step into my loneliness and be my friend? Will you pray that I will have opportunities to share the gospel? Will you pray that I will suffer well? Will you pray that I will gladly submit to God’s plan for my life? Will you pray for wisdom for me as a wife and mother and friend? Will you pray for me to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer?

And after you have prayed for all of those things, if you are so inclined, you are welcome to pray for my healing too. But please don’t only pray for my healing. There is spiritual help that I need before I need any physical healing.

If you have a friend who is suffering from a chronic illness or disability, ask her what she would like you to pray for. You may be surprised to learn that physical healing isn’t her greatest desire or need.

Do you live with a chronic illness or disability? Do you have a spouse or child with a disability? How do you wish people would pray for you?

Preparing for Stafford: The Hard Stuff

Preparing for Stafford has been a joy and a challenge. It has been filled with laughter and tears and prayers. We don’t know what lies ahead, but based on what we know of my health from the past 19 years, the months ahead will be exceptionally hard. Over the past eight months we haven’t just been preparing for a baby; we have been preparing for a health crash.

If you have been reading here for many years, you may remember that I crashed badly after Adelaide was born. My health slowly deteriorated until I was bedridden for 20-23 hours a day for a few months. Recovery from that crash took three years, and despite all of my efforts to exercise and rebuild strength, I have never been able to recover to the level of health I had before Adelaide was born. And anytime I push myself too hard, my energy levels plummet again.

Currently I can be out of bed for 5 hours on a good day. After that, I have to borrow spoons from the next day to stay up longer. If I borrow spoons too many days in a row, then I crash, and it can take months, or even a year, to recover. Because I am starting off with less physical strength and endurance than I had when I was pregnant with Adelaide, it is likely that recovery from delivery will be harder this time around, and it is likely that a crash will come sooner than it did before.

Stafford at his 19 week ultrasound

One of my most debilitating symptoms is post-exertional malaise. This means that it takes my body much longer to recover from exertion than it should. If I go to church on a Sunday morning, it can take a week for me to recover from the noise and physical exertion. If I do a lot of walking around the house one day, I will have to spend the next day in bed. Pushing myself too hard with exercise doesn’t increase my strength, it only takes away my energy in the long run. Something is wrong at the cellular level, and my body doesn’t recover as it should when I rest and sleep, but, of course, not resting and sleeping only makes things worse!

On Monday I shared about some of the things I would be stepping away from after Stafford is born. And yet, even with all I am cutting out in order to have more energy to give to Stafford, I am well aware that apart from a miracle, I will not be able to take care of Stafford on my own. This has been my biggest grief during pregnancy. 

A glimpse of Stafford's face at his 33 week ultrasound.

For right now I am able to take care of Stafford. When I eat, he receives nourishment too. Simply by being pregnant I can keep Stafford warm and safe and protected. For 9 months I get to have him with me all the time, and I love that. Pregnancy is very easy for me compared to taking care of a newborn or a toddler. I do look forward to meeting Stafford, but I wish pregnancy could last longer because I am not ready to let my baby go. It is hard to hand a newborn over to someone else to take care of. 

Even with all that is hard, there is so much gratitude as well. I have lost babies through miscarriage, and I am thankful that Stafford is still with us. My heart aches for my friends who have had to say goodbye to their children too soon. My heart hurts for those who want a child, but have not been able to have one. I know that I am very blessed to have a baby on the way. Stafford is a wonderful gift from God. I am grateful for this precious child, and I definitely want him to be part of our family! There is grief, but I am trying to keep it all in perspective. I know there will be joy and happy days in the midst of the challenges.

Little Feet

Some days I am sad about the struggles and losses that are likely soon to come. Some days I don’t think about it at all, and I just enjoy being pregnant. I pray often for help and peace and strength. I pray for the ability to take care of Stafford, and I pray for humility and contentment if that is not to be.

I am trying not to worry. Most days I succeed; some days I don’t. I am trusting that tomorrow there will be grace. I’m not scared of the future. I’m just not looking forward to the physical deterioration. The increase in muscle weakness and brain fog and frailty will be unpleasant. But mostly I’m just sad about not being able to take care of my baby and my family in the ways I wish I could. 

Will you please pray for my family and for me? Please pray that:

• We all stay healthy and do not catch the flu or some other virus.
• Stafford’s birth would go smoothly and safely.
• My recovery from delivery would go well.
• The Lord would strengthen Will for all He has called him to as a husband, father, paralegal, and law student.
• William and Adelaide would be at peace no matter what happens with my health.
• The Lord would give me strength to take care of my newborn son.
• I would be humble and content if He chooses not to increase my strength.
• The Lord would provide the practical in-home help we will need.
• The Lord would give strength and endurance to those who choose to walk through the coming months and years with us.
• I would keep my heart and mind focused on Christ.
• I would trust God no matter what comes.
• The joy of the Lord would be my strength.
• I would rest in today's grace and mercy with no fear of the future.
• I would glorify the Lord in this life to which He has called me.

I know that the Lord is good and that His plans for me are for my ultimate good, even when life seems overwhelmingly hard. And I know that I can trust Him with all of this, but it is still hard. Thank you for your prayers.

Top Seven Blog Posts of 2017

Hello Friends,

Thank you for reading here at Cranberry Tea Time this year. Whether I know you in real life or not, I am grateful for you, and I am glad to have you as a part of the Cranberry Tea Time community. It has been a joy to write for you and to chat with you this year.

Do you want to know what your favorite blot posts were from Cranberry Tea Time in 2017? Here are the seven that had the most views this year:

• Marriage, Chronic Illness, Christ, and the Church
• Busy Hands: Matching Cowls
• The Gift of Time to Pray
• How to Pray for the Sick and Disabled
• Just a Little Update
• Oh My Soul
• The Best Surprise

I wish you a Happy New Year, and I will see you here in 2018!

Blessings and joy,
Rachel

How to Pray for the Sick and Disabled

When we know someone who is suffering from an illness or disability, our response is often to pray for healing. It is compassionate to desire relief for one who is suffering, and it is certainly appropriate to ask the Lord for healing. Our God is loving and compassionate, and He is grieved by the suffering of His children (Psalm 86:15, John 11:32-35). He is also a powerful God who is able to heal (Mark 1:29-34).

However, healing is not always God’s plan for those who are sick and disabled. Sometimes God chooses to heal, but sometimes instead He chooses to use a long-term illness or disability for the good of His people.

For this reason, it is good to pray for more than just physical healing. Let’s look to Scripture for examples of ways to pray for those who are suffering from an illness or disability.

• Pray that God would comfort them (2 Corinthians 1:4).
• Pray that they would “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18, NIV).
• Pray that they would trust in the Lord and not lean on their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
• Pray that they would grow in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
• Pray that they would suffer well. Pray that they would “commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (1 Peter 4:19, NIV).
• Pray that God would grant them endurance and encouragement (Romans 15:4-6).
• Pray that they would throw off sin and run with endurance. Pray that they would look to Jesus so that they do not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3).
• Pray that the Lord would provide for all of their needs “according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, NIV).
• Pray that they would thirst for God and that they would place their hope in Him (Psalm 42:1-5).
• Pray that God would keep them in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).
• Pray that they would “be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12, NIV).
• Pray that God would enable them to be content in whatever circumstances He places them in (Philippians 4:11-13).
• Pray that they would hold unswervingly to the hope they have professed (Hebrews 10:23).
• Pray that they would not lose heart, but that they would persevere and fix their eyes on what is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

It is a great privilege to bring our requests to the Lord and be a part of the work He is doing. God chooses to work through the prayers of His people. Therefore, let us lift up our brothers and sisters who are suffering from disabilities, praying not just for their physical bodies, but for their spiritual growth and strength as well.

In what other ways should we intercede for those who are suffering from an illness or disability? If you are suffering, in what ways do you appreciate people to praying for you?

This article was originally published on The Irresistible Church.

The Gift of Time to Pray

December was a busy month for my family. It was filled with birthdays, work, and celebrations. When January arrived, we settled back into our regular routine. School started again for my children, and my husband went back to work. I wanted to get busy too. I was ready to start reading and writing again. I was ready to help out with small tasks around the home.

But my body was too worn out from the holiday season. I used up a lot of energy over Christmas break, and my body has had a hard time recovering from the exertion. The fatigue has made it difficult to type on my laptop, even while lying down in bed. Sometimes it has been too hard to read or even watch a movie. The extra tiredness has been discouraging for me. I have wanted to do more to serve my family, but the fatigue has kept me still and quiet.

I was feeling sad about all that I could not do, but then I decided to shift my focus and look for the gifts found in the mundane, quiet days at home. I started adding up the time that I spent in prayer on my tired days, and I soon realized that I was spending two hours or more in prayer on many of those days! Because I was too tired to do my normal tasks, I was able to spend much more time in prayer.

In the middle of these weak and tired days, I have been given a good gift: uninterrupted time to pray. Many Christians would be grateful for two hours of time alone with God each day to pray. The time I have to pray is a precious gift, and I am learning to accept it as such.

I live in a body of weakness. Maybe you do too. It is a comfort to know that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). God can work through our weak and tired bodies, and spending time in prayer is one way we can let Him work through us. It is also a comfort to know that 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).

So this winter, as I rest and recover from the holidays, I am keeping my prayer cards nearby. When I am too tired to read a book or write a blog post, I will spend time in prayer. This extra time spent in prayer for friends, family, ministries, and missionaries is not time that is wasted. It is time that is spent on Kingdom work! It is a privilege to come before the Lord in my weakness and pray, and it is a comfort to know that the Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf.

Is there a limitation you are facing that makes life difficult, but that opens up new opportunities? What gifts have come as a result of a disability or illness in your life?

This article was originally published on The Irresistible Church.

Marriage, Chronic Illness, Christ, and the Church

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. 

Ephesians 5:22-33

Last week my husband, Will, and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary. I look back with gratitude on the years we have shared together, and I thank the Lord for the blessings that we have experienced in our marriage affected by chronic illness.

I will never forget the wedding card given to us by a dear family that I babysat for as a teenager. In the card, they wrote, “We pray that God will bless your marriage such that it will be an example of Christ and His church.” Their prayer was a wonderful, biblical prayer. But, little did I know how God would so clearly answer that prayer!

When we married in 2002, I already had a chronic illness. At that time, I was still able to attend college, and after graduating I was able to work a part-time job for a while. However, less than two years after getting married, my health deteriorated to the point that I became disabled and homebound.

Suddenly, I needed my husband to do basic personal tasks and household chores that I previously could take care of on my own. I needed his help with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and shopping. I needed his help with transportation and maneuvering my wheelchair. There were even times when I needed help with personal care. And he was always faithful to help me.

Each day, Will sacrifices his comfort in order to care for my needs and perform the mundane household chores. As he faithfully serves me, he is an example of the sacrificial love of Christ. He shows me a small reflection of the great love that Christ showed me when He gave Himself on the cross for my sins. It is an incredible gift to be reminded day after day of the love of Christ through my husband’s service to me.

My husband has a high calling to display the love that Christ has for the church. I, too, have been given a high calling. As I respect and submit to my husband, I have the privilege of displaying the beauty of the church submitting to Christ. It is an honor to respect and submit to my husband as to the Lord.

Will and I are certainly not perfect, but I hope and pray that our marriage is a lovely picture of the gospel to those who see us. If our marriage can give a glimpse of the beauty of the gospel to a watching world, and if our marriage brings glory to the Lord, then all the difficulties of marriage with a chronic illness are more than worth it!

Marriage is a picture of Christ and the church. A godly marriage proclaims the gospel to the world. A chronic illness, or disability, in marriage does not mar that picture. A chronic illness or disability can, in fact, enhance the picture of the gospel!

How have you seen the gospel put on display through a marriage affected by a disability? If you are in a marriage affected by a disability, how does your marriage portray a picture of the gospel?

This article was originally posted on The Irresistible Church blog.

Purpose in Illness

As Christians, we believe that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, NASB). Romans 8:28 has encouraged me often in my life, and I love to find ways that God is using suffering for the ultimate good of His people. Though we cannot know all of His good purposes on this side of Heaven, we can trust that God is working all things for our good.

Recently, two verses in Galatians encouraged and challenged me as I considered God’s amazing plan in the midst of suffering. In Galatians 4:13-14, Paul tells the believers, “You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus” (ESV).

I was encouraged by these verses because they showed a very specific, and good, purpose for Paul’s bodily ailment. He was able to preach the Gospel to people in Galatia because of an illness! It could be that his illness forced him to take a break from travelling while he was in the area of Galatia. He used his unplanned time there to share the Gospel, and as a result, many came to faith in Christ! There was purpose in his suffering that will have an effect for all of eternity.

These verses were also encouraging to me because they showed the love and care that the churches in Galatia had for Paul. His illness was a trial for them, but they did not scorn or despise him. Sometimes illness and disability can be a trial for those around us who need to care for us. It is always a blessing when they help with genuine love, and it was encouraging to see that the young churches in Galatia responded to Paul in such a compassionate way.

In addition to encouraging me, these verses challenged me to look for more opportunities to share the Gospel with others. God used Paul’s illness to bring the Gospel to people who had not yet heard it. This challenged me to think of whom I might be able to share the Gospel with because I am chronically ill. Perhaps there is a nurse or a doctor with whom I can share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Or maybe there is a fellow chronic illness friend with whom I can share the Gospel.

If you live with a disability, take courage in the fact that God has a good purpose for you, even in the midst of your suffering. He can use your disability for your good and His glory! And perhaps there is someone you can share the Gospel with because of your disability!

Who do you know who needs to hear the Good News of Jesus? Perhaps there is a doctor, nurse, or home-health aide with whom you can share the Gospel. Or perhaps there is a teacher or school aide who is in your life because of a disability. Maybe there is a neighbor who sees your faithful testimony and needs to hear the Gospel from you. I encourage you to pray this week and ask the Lord to give you the opportunity to talk to someone about Jesus!

This article was originally posted on The Irresistible Church blog.

Serving the Church when You Are Homebound

Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who are homebound are a vital part of the Body of Christ. If you are a church member who is homebound, it may be easy to feel as if you aren’t a part of the body, but God’s Word says that every believer is a vital part of the body of Christ. Even the weaker members are indispensable (1 Corinthians 12:22). You have an important role to play in the body of Christ! Your service is needed and is valuable.

But, how can you step out and serve when it is difficult or impossible to leave your home? Let’s talk about a few ways you might be able to serve those in your church.

1) Live a life of faithfulness in the midst of suffering. A godly testimony in the midst of suffering is a precious ministry. Those in your church who see your faithfulness, or hear of your godly example, will be encouraged in their own walk with the Lord. Their faith will be strengthened on account of you.

2) Share your testimony. If your church has a time for sharing testimonies, perhaps you could write a few sentences for a friend to read at church in your place. Your words could encourage and help those in your church even if you are not able to speak to them in person.

3) Send cards in the mail. If there is someone else in the church who is disabled or homebound, you could send them a card to encourage them in a way that is very personal because you have faced similar struggles. You can also send cards to encourage those in the church who are sick, going through a difficult time, or grieving the loss of a loved one.

4) Prayer is a very important ministry. Through prayer you have the privilege of bringing requests before the throne of grace and interceding for others. God chooses to work through the prayers of His children, and “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16 b, NIV). Prayer is an awesome opportunity to minister to those in your church!

Even if you are confined to your home, you are an indispensable part of the Body of Christ. There are important ways you can serve your local church, and your service is precious in the sight of God.

How have you been blessed by the service of a homebound member of the church? If you are a homebound member, how do you serve your local church?

{This post was originally posted on The Irresistible Church blog.}

Book Review: I Am N

“I am n?” What does that mean? 

When militants from the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) moved into northern Iraq, they began identifying Christian-owned property. Families would find the Arabic letter ن (nun, noon), or n, painted on their homes and churches. This single letter conveyed the powerful accusation that the occupants were “Nazarenes,” people who followed Jesus of Nazareth rather than Islam. 

To be labeled “n” in a community dominated by Muslim extremists is to undergo an immediate identity and life change. With this mark comes the ultimatum: If you convert to Islam or pay the tax, you can keep your material possessions and remain in this community. If not, leave or you will die. 

Any person who takes a stand for Jesus in occupied Iraq, any person who chooses to be “n,” pays a high cost. 

- The Voice of the Martyrs, I Am N

On the days when I have to spend my time confined to bed, I often think about, and pray for, the persecuted church. It is easy to feel lonely and sorry for myself, but when I think about my brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for their faith around the world, my hard days are put into perspective. I may be alone, but I am in a comfortable bed and a cozy house. I may be tired, but I have food and water. I have access to Scripture. I have a husband and children who take care of me.

Praying for the persecuted church helps me to focus on others instead of on myself, and it gives me something productive to do even when I am exhausted.

Because the persecuted church is often on my mind and heart, I was grateful for the opportunity to read I Am N: Inspiring Stories of Christians Facing Islamic Extremists. This book was released by The Voice of the Martyrs earlier this year, and it tells of real events that took place between the years of 2001 and 2015. Some details like names and specific locations have been changed in order to protect the people whose stories are being shared, but the book gives real accounts of modern day persecution.

It took me three months to read I Am N because of the heavy nature of the content. I never read more than three stories at one time, and I often only read one story before taking a break for a few days. It was a hard book to read, but also a very good book to read. This book helped me to better understand the hardships faced by persecuted Christians, and it provided me with the opportunity to pray for specific Christians in specific ways.

I thank the Lord for the faithful testimony of these believers who are standing firm in the faith, despite insults, loss of family, loss of property, physical harm, and risk of death. Their faithfulness encourages me to persevere in my faith and in the life to which God has called me.

I received a complimentary copy of I Am N from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions are my own.

I Am N - The Story

If you are reading this in an email, please click over to the blog to see the video.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

1 Peter 5:8-11

Five Minute Friday: Whole

Today I am joining the Five Minute Friday community. We write for five minutes on the same writing prompt, and then we gather together at Kate's blog to share our words.

I haven't participated in Five Minute Friday since last fall, but I am going to be making an effort to join in more often now. Five Minute Friday is good for me. It stretches me, challenges me, and gets me to write about topics I might not otherwise consider. Last fall Periscope helped to get me out of my comfort zone. Now that I am no longer doing Periscope, I want to join in Five Minute Friday often so that I can be stretched out of my comfort zone!

I have to say that I took about 10 minutes, instead of 5, to write this post. I am still a little extra tired from yesterday, and my brain is working slowly. Thank you for grace!

Five Minute Friday :: Whole

Yesterday was a low-energy, very tired day, and I had to spend the whole day in bed. It was one of those days when I woke up absolutely exhausted for no apparent reason. It always amazes me that I can eat good food, get a good night of sleep, and still not have energy to get out of bed.

I accomplished very little yesterday. I had planned to write emails, blog, and crochet. Instead I found myself too tired to do any of those things, and for most of the day I was too tired to even watch television. I didn’t do much more than look at Facebook and pray. Most of my time was spent just lying in bed, not doing anything but thinking and praying. I did manage to do my daily Bible reading, but I had to set it aside to rest a few times before I could finish.

When my children came home from school, I was unable to greet them at the door like I usually do. Instead they came back to find me in my room, still in bed. They said hello, and then quietly and happily played in their rooms and did homework. And then I fell asleep.

After Will came home from work, I got up to get a shower, and then I went right back to bed. It was a long, hard day, but I made it through.

This morning, as I was looking back on my slow, boring day yesterday, I felt like I had accomplished very little. But then I realized that I accomplished just what I needed to accomplish. I read my Bible. I spent time with the Lord in prayer. My prayers were short and simple, but I know that the Holy Spirit interceded on my behalf. And perhaps my simple, tired prayers accomplished something significant.

I may have spent the whole day in bed, but a whole day in bed, when lived for the glory of God, is not a wasted day.

Beyond the Prayer Sheet

“But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” 1 Corinthians 12:18-22

The church needs its chronically ill members. God’s Word says that every believer is a vital part of the body of Christ. It is essential that each part contribute to, and receive nourishment from, the body. Even the seemingly weak parts are indispensable; they are absolutely necessary for the body to function properly. If they are disregarded or neglected, the body will suffer.

I have lived with a debilitating chronic illness for twenty years. During this time I have been blessed to get to know numerous Christians who also live with chronic illnesses. These people have various needs and spiritual gifts, and they desire to be part of a local church body. Yet, sadly, I hear again and again from Christians with chronic illnesses that they feel forgotten or neglected by their local church. This should grieve our hearts. We must learn to see, and include, the chronically ill as an indispensable part of the body of Christ.

In some churches, ministry to the chronically ill does not extend beyond the mention of their names in a weekly prayer sheet. Praying for the chronically ill in our churches is an important ministry, and one that we should not neglect. It is essential, however, that we go beyond the prayer sheet. The church needs to come alongside the chronically ill to suffer with them and to serve with them. The chronically ill are a vital part of the body of Christ. They have much to offer us, and we, the body of Christ, have much to offer them. 

I think that many churches desire to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the chronically ill, but they struggle to know how. Here are a few examples of practical ways the church can serve its chronically ill members:

• Call or send a card when they are not able to make it to church. This simple gesture lets the chronically ill know that they are cared for. It reminds them that they are not forgotten even when they cannot be physically present with the church body. 
• Live stream church services on the church website. This is a wonderful way to include homebound members in the corporate worship service. Providing sermons on CD or mp3 is helpful if your church is not equipped with technology for live streaming.
• Visit them in their homes, especially if they are homebound. We all need fellowship with other believers, but those who are homebound may not have many opportunities for Christian fellowship. Before visiting, it is helpful to call ahead to make sure they are feeling well enough for a visit.
• Ask if there are ways the church building could be made more accessible for them. Some things that may be helpful are: more handicap parking spaces, bathroom modifications, ramps, or a recliner for someone who cannot sit up through a church service. 
• Ask if they need help with yard work, meals, housekeeping, childcare, or transportation. Once a church learns what the physical needs of their chronically ill members are, they can help to meet those needs and/or assist in organizing the necessary help.

The chronically ill are not simply members in our churches who need to receive prayer and help. There are also ways that the chronically ill can give to the church. They may not be able to contribute in an obvious way, but their contributions are not insignificant. Though they may be weaker, they are indispensable. Here are a few ways the chronically ill can minister to the church body:

• Pray for the needs of the church. Some members may be unable to make it to church regularly, but they can faithfully intercede for the saints. 
• Teach a class with assistance. Some of the chronically ill may not be able to teach a Sunday school class or Bible study all by themselves, but they might be able to help in a class or teach with the help of an assistant.
• Encourage and disciple others. Those who are not well enough to teach at church may be able to encourage and disciple believers who visit them in their homes. They may have a wealth of wisdom to share from lessons learned through years of suffering with an illness.
• Be a faithful example of perseverance. Living with a chronic illness takes perseverance. Those who live faithful lives despite daily physical trials will be an encouragement to other believers. By their example, they can teach the body of Christ to persevere and keep an eternal perspective in the midst of trials.
• Share their testimony. The chronically ill could share about what the Lord is doing in their lives during a prayer meeting or Bible study. If homebound, they could share through a written testimony that is placed in a bulletin or emailed to the church.

Through faith in Christ’s sacrifice, each of us has been made a vital part of the body of Christ. The seemingly weak are, in actuality, indispensable. We cannot neglect or disregard a part of the body without causing the body to cease to function properly. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that we value the chronically ill members in our local churches. Let us look for ways to serve them, and let us accept service from them in return. Let us include the chronically ill as an indispensable part of the body of Christ. 

Choose Joy: When Healing Doesn't Come

Each Monday in January I have been sharing quotes from Choose Joy by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver. I hope that you have enjoyed Sara's words as much as I have. If you want to purchase the book, it is available at Amazon, Christian Book, and many other places.

Today I am sharing quotes from Sara about healing and prayer. Sara was completely confident that God could heal her, but she knew that sometimes healing was not God's plan. She prayed for a heart that would seek after His desires instead of her own wants, and she trusted God to do what was best in her life, whether it be healing or sickness.

I believe in a God Who is so much bigger than I can imagine Him to be that anything is possible. I also believe that sometimes healing must not be what He needs for us, or it would happen to everyone.  

– Sara Frankl, Choose Joy, page 89

I do tell God what I think would be lovely for my life, but I also tell Him that I am fully open to whatever He needs from me. I don’t think prayer is just about changing my circumstances, although sometimes it does. I think it is about letting God know I’m here, I’m paying attention, I love Him and honor Him with my whole heart. It’s also about changing my heart, aligning my will with His, and asking Him to give me a heart that would rather serve Him than serve my own desires. 

I would love to wake up and never have pain again. I would love to open my windows and sit on my patio or go for a walk or swim in a lake. But I don’t want those things if they don’t serve Him… 

I don’t think healing is about who puts their faith on the line better; I think it’s about fulfilling a mission. Some are healed because that miracle will spur some on to faith. Some are not healed because that suffering will help others in some way. I’m not big enough to know which should be true for me. I trust God to make that decision. I am open to either option and I believe that if healing is meant for me, He’ll make it happen. 

In the interim I’m not wasting a moment of what is by waiting for what could be.  

– Sara Frankl, Choose Joy, page 90

Photo Credit: Gitzen Girl

The Lord did not choose to heal Sara on this earth. He chose to glorify Himself through her sickness and suffering. When her time on earth was coming to an end, Sara was still filled with joy. She was excited that she was going to meet Jesus soon. Her only concern was for her family and friends whom she was leaving behind.

Sara's sister said: 

“Sara’s focus was on making sure those of us left here on earth were taken care of. That we were okay. She said, ‘I’ll be fine. Isn’t this exciting? I want to make sure you’re okay…’ She was so courageous. Without shedding a tear, and filled with joy, she told us how excited she was to meet our Heavenly Father. Even in those last days, she continued teaching us—how to love, how to be brave, how to choose joy.” 

- Choose Joy, page 158

A final word from Sara: 

“Make it about Him, not you. Enjoy every second. Choose joy.” 

- Choose Joy, page 172

Hold Me, Jesus

This summer my husband was asked to sing "Hold Me, Jesus" in church. It wasn't a song he had sung or played before, so he practiced it a lot here at home leading up to that Sunday. As providence would have it, the week Will was practicing the song was an especially difficult week for our family. We were all weary and overwhelmed by life with a chronic illness. During that challenging week we would find ourselves singing or humming this song. Even the children joined in. The words of this song were a grace, and they spoke peace into our lives.

You may be going through trying times right now as well. This song comforted us, and I pray that it comforts you today too.

Will Lundy singing Hold Me, Jesus

(If you are reading this in an email, you can click here to see the video.)

Hold Me, Jesus 
by Rich Mullins 

Well, sometimes my life
Just don't make sense at all
When the mountains look so big
And my faith just seems so small 

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace 

And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul
I swear there must be blisters on my heart 

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace 

Surrender don't come natural to me
I'd rather fight You for something
I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I've beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees 

And this Salvation Army band
Is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep
It makes my resistance seem so thin 

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

Surviving Summer

This is a challenging summer for my family and me. My body is weak and tired, and I am struggling to take care of William and Adelaide while Will is at work. I stay in bed most of the weekend so that I can partially recover for the next week. My body is unable to completely recover in only two days, so each week is harder than the one before. I’m borrowing spoons from the fall to make it through the summer.

William and Adelaide haven’t complained about it at all, but the summer is wearing on them. They miss me being able to do things with them, and it is hard on them to see me so tired and weak. They also miss having our family of four together at one time. I have to go to bed almost as soon as Will gets home from work each day, and because I have to spend the majority of the weekend in bed, we have precious little time as a family. This is a hard summer for all of us, so we pray for strength, and we press on.

A couple of months ago I was planning on writing a blog post with tips for surviving summer as a mom with a chronic illness, but instead I find myself with very few tips. I can do so little that most days it feels like I’m barely holding on, so my tips are quite simple: Pray. Read your Bible. Rest. Be with your children when you can. Watch Movies. Teach your children to help out. Accept help from others. That is pretty much my formula for making it through this summer!

Pray.

Talk to the Lord every day, and ask Him to help you through your day. I start praying as soon as I wake up. My body feels so weak and tired that it overwhelms me every morning. I pray for grace and strength to make it through the day.

Read the Bible.

No matter how tired you are, don’t neglect God’s Word! Even if you can only read one verse, read it. Think about it. Ask God to teach you and encourage you through His Word. If you are able, read the Bible with your children also. I read my Bible each day. On some days I am able to do a 15 minute Bible study while lying down in bed. On other days I can only read a few verses, but I do what my energy levels allow. When I am doing well enough, I also like to have a devotion time with the children. William and Adelaide have really enjoyed reading through Matthew and this devotion book with me.

Rest.

Take time to rest each day. If your children don’t need naps, they can read or play quietly while you rest. I am not always able to get the rest I need every day, but I rest as much as I can. William and Adelaide play quietly in the house and watch movies when I have a particularly bad day and need to stay in bed all day long.

Be with your children.

Do what you can to be with your children in the summer. If you are a mom with a chronic illness, that may look a lot different for you than it does for your healthy friends, and that’s okay. You don’t have to take them to the park or the pool or on amazing summer trips. Just be with them. Read books, color, watch movies, or play board games. When you need a lot of rest, don’t feel guilty about watching movies with them. Which brings me to my next summer tip…

Watch movies.
This could go under the categories of rest or being with your children, but movies are so helpful that I am putting them in a category of their own. There have been many days this summer that the only thing I was physically capable of doing with my children was watching movies, so we gathered on the sofa and did just that. I wish we could have memories of going on walks and playing at the pool, but that is not an option. So we make fun memories with movie days!

Teach your children to help.

You can teach your children age appropriate chores so that they can help you in your home. William and Adelaide have been so helpful this summer. They help to clean up the living room and their bedrooms. They have learned to start the dishwasher. They pick vegetables from our garden. Adelaide likes to bring snacks to me. William fills up my water bottle when I can’t do it myself. William has also been vacuuming the house this summer.

Accept help from others.

If you have the option of accepting help, don’t be too proud to accept it. If a friend offers to help, and you need it, take it! We have had some full-time, in-home help this summer from family and a friend who have visited, and we are so grateful for that! I also have a local friend who has helped me out by taking care of William and Adelaide on some mornings so that I can get extra rest. 

That is how I am surviving summer. What about you? I know there are many other chronic illness moms who are struggling this summer too. Maybe you are one of them. What tips and advice do you have to share with us? Let’s learn from each other, and let’s encourage one another!