I couldn’t believe it. I had just recovered from being sick, and now, I was flat on my back again. I could have picked up this virus anywhere, as there is so much of the flu going around. Mentally retracing my steps, I remembered that I had driven my husband approximately one hour away to two appointments on two consecutive days. The waiting rooms in the hospitals were overcrowded with people that had contracted this infection.

At one appointment, the doctor asked me if I had a medical alert bracelet for my dementia-stricken husband. He suggested that I should register him with the local police department, just in case he ever got lost. He asked whether I had checked out long term care places, and whether I had joined a support group. There were other questions and suggestions that contributed to my elevated stress level and information overload.

I was starting to feel down and out. Questions raced through my mind about what would happen to my husband if I ended up in the hospital. Who was going to pay the bills? Who would make sure that there was enough propane in the tank for heat and hot water? Who would shop for groceries, make appointments, and write them down, along with other responsibilities. Who was going to take care of my husband? I felt desperate and sorry for myself, and then, “Why me, Lord?” Invaded my mind.

I did not realize it at the time, but the questions that the doctor had asked me were directed towards looking after my self-care. The doctor, in his wisdom, perceived that looking after my husband had caused the stress which had led to my being sick in the first place. Still, how was I going to answer all these questions?

2 Corinthians 12:9a – Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (NLT)

And there it was: the answer. God’s words came at just the right time. When I felt so anxious and distressed, God reminded me that I don’t have to do these things by myself and that He will lead me and direct me through this time of uncertainty. He will provide answers and grant me the strength to endure, to plan, and to prepare what is needed.

Are you going through a time of uncertainty? Do you feel that you are at the end of your rope and stressed to the hilt? Remember that God will be with you, whatever you are going through.

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for reminding us that without You, we can do nothing. You are the One who gives us the grace to move and to plan for what needs to be done. Sometimes, You put us flat on our backs, yet once again, to remind us of all this. Be with us as we make plans for the future and direct us to the proper authorities. Amen.

Rosemary Hagedorn Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada