Christ in the Heart of a Caregiver

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY, Uncategorized

Today marks our fifty-sixth anniversary. If you knew how we started, and what we had to work through, you would wonder how we made it this far. Had it not been for the Lord Jesus Christ, I would not be here, and being a servant to my husband would not have been an option. During this last valley we have been going through, the question has been asked, “If you knew what you know now, would you have married Jerry?”

I was honest in answering, “No, I don’t think I would.” My vision of marriage was like most other twenty-two-year-olds. He was the man I wanted to spend my whole life with, but no thoughts of ill health for either of us was in my mind. I was selfish then, and had I known, I would not have committed to such a marriage that would require being a servant for the rest of my life.

The True Meaning of Life
Years of learning the true meaning of life brought me through different stages of serving others, then to the point eleven years ago, with his amputation, to the reality that I would be Jerry’s caregiver for the remainder of his life.

It was before then that the Lord changed my heart and my life, so that I would be willing and ready to give my life to serve Jerry, “as unto the Lord.”

Unless the Lord brought me to this place, I would never have known the joy of being His servant.

With this said, I want to share how our Lord Jesus Christ dwells in my heart, strengthens and supplies all our needs “according to His riches in glory.”

Promises From God’s Word
References are from Colossians 1:27; Ephesians 3:16-17; and Colossians 1:11.

“To them (His saints, His people) God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

This is the means of our hope ~ Christ living within, in whom is all our hope for now and for eternity.

“that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—…” Ephesians 3:16-17

This is my life. Two main areas of service are Jerry, first, and then, Home. Everything else falls into the category of Other.

Christ is the center of all, shouldering all for me that Jerry needs.  He is our strength and shield.

Under the Almighty arms of Jesus are all we need for the care of our home. And according to His will working in us, we are enabled to care for the other things. Some of these may be ongoing; others may be on the spur of the moment. Except for posts on this blog, writing was put on hold this year. According to His will, and in His timing we will continue publishing our books.

When asked, “How do you do what you do, joyfully?”  ~ Joy and praise are part of a life of thanksgiving for all that Christ has done for us. Sacrifice for Jerry and others is the only reasonable response.

Gracious Father, thank you for this opportunity to witness of your grace in a world that seeks its own desires. We praise you for choosing the role of servant and caregiver for me and making it a joyful experience. Thank you for the fruitful years that you have provided for Jerry, for me and our family. We praise you for your continued wisdom, strength and grace for the days ahead. We never know where you will lead us, but we are assured of your presence, even as you have always dealt bountifully with me. Thank you for Christ, your Son, who lives within us, and in whom we live, as we dwell in the secret place of the most high, abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. Keep me humble in Him. In Jesus’ name we thank you and praise you. Amen,

images: Google

33 thoughts on “Christ in the Heart of a Caregiver”

  2. Pingback: Christ in the Heart of a Caregiver — God’s Grace ~ God’s Glory! | Talmidimblogging

  6. Wow is all I can say Fran—you are an inspiration—but I know that you would deny that and point only to Jesus as the source of all inspiration.
    and I, like you, when asked would I have married way back when… I would also would say no, because in hindsight I was immature and selfish. It was rocky at times, especially early on as there was a 10 year age difference and I was young and naive. After 35 years, there are still bumps…but both of us are blessedly different people today.
    Today I see and know that I was not who I wished I would have been nor who my husband deserved–but only through Grace have we each become more of those people today—complimenting and supporting and growing together as one verses the two selfish young folks of long ago….
    I would marry him today—as I think you would say that of you and Jerry…but looking back to who we all were before Grace, healing and salvation…well, that’s another story…
    so Happy Anniversary Fran—

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. I wish the generation of our children would understand the staying power of Christ in a marriage. I’ve also seen a triangle with God at the top point and the husband and wife at the lower points. And as the husband and wife get closer to God they gat closer to each other!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  12. Wow happy 56th Anniversary Frances! What a testimony with how your view of love has changed; certainly I’m on the younger end of things and I minister to those who are young and this is very encouraging, I wish all those under 30 would read this!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. More than your caring for Jerry, it’s your caring for him with joy that impresses me the most. As a mom, I want to be like that for my children, but the days are long, and my patience runs short. Thanks for being the inspiration that makes me want to wake up tomorrow and try harder! Blessing to you!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Dear Claire, it is a blessing for me that you read how the Lord has worked in and through my marriage. The joy has come through the difficult days and years. It was not something I had to try for. Just as salvation is through the finished work of Christ on the cross, joy comes through this relationship with Him. Reborn of His Spirit, the fruit comes as we experience through the long days HIs very presence and work on our behalf. Our joy in Him and His joy in us is the union that carries through to all other relationships, beginning with our husbands. I pray that you and your husband will experience the joy of Christ in your relationship, and together bring up your children in the love, joy and nurture of the Lord. I wanted to train my children as I thought they ought to be, but the best I could do was never enough. Our son and daughter are now in their fifties, and though they are not perfect, I stand in awe of what the Lord is doing in their lives, all by HIs grace, and all for His glory. I pray His blessings for you as you pray for your children, commit yourself, your husband and each of them to the Lord, and enjoy watching what the He can do in them. He will give you wisdom from His Word and the power of HIs Spirit for teaching them. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Much love in Christ.

      Like

      Reply
  17. Giovanni Carlo

    Amen. Jesu is the way the truth and the light and he is the source of everything,Matthew 11:28-29 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment