Tuesday, September 10, 2024
This year marks the 20th anniversary of my dad’s long-term illness.
A month before the diagnosis, I spent time with my parents and older brother at Clear Lake, enjoying an annual outing with my family. It was a typical July day with one noticeable exception: I remember looking at my dad and a sudden sense of fear washed over me—my inner voice telling me something bad was going to happen to my family. It felt like a scene from a Halloween thriller. The fear was quickly erased by a profound sense of peace and another voice assuring me everything would be okay.
Soon after our vacation, my dad became ill. What initially seemed like flu symptoms worsened. When he arrived at the hospital, doctors believed he’d had a stroke, although it did not completely fit the pattern. Thankfully, his doctors were able to resuscitate him when his heart stopped beating, but a lack of oxygen to his brain left him in a vegetative state.
I was a college freshman at the time, just beginning the semester. My uncle picked me up, and we rushed to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Like many families in similar situations, we were faced with hard choices and no clear right answers.
It’s impossible times like those when our stress levels seem to have no limits. Our first response is to fix the situation quickly, to remove the discomfort and uncertainty that are driving our anxiety.
However, Jesus offers us the tools we need to cope with our stress. By focusing on him, we can experience peace in the midst of our storms, just like the moment I experienced at Clear Lake.
In a state of peace, we are better able to listen to Jesus’ guidance and surrender to his will. He does not promise us a life free from pain and challenges, but he does promise to help us navigate them.
John 16:33
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
What a relief to know that we can overcome even our worst struggles, knowing Jesus is faithfully by our side.
Questions:
Think of a time when you were in a stressful season. How did your body respond?
Can you think of a time when you felt a sense of calm during a life storm?
What step can you take to surrender your stress to Jesus and focus on him?
Next Steps:
Keep attending weekly services as we dive deeper into Barb Roose’s Bible Study, Stronger than Stress, where we’ll learn biblical practices to deal with life’s challenges.
Need some support during life’s stressful events? Consider joining one of the Fall Groups starting this month!
If you haven’t yet, text WIN to 419-419-0707 to join our text campaign to be Stronger than Stress.
Prayer:
Dear God, I like feeling in control of my life. However, I am learning that trying to control life drives my stress and anxiety levels. Help me to surrender to you and feel your peace during challenges and uncertainty. You have overcome the world and already know the outcome of these challenges. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Ephesians 3:16-17
16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
This post was written by Connie Disbro, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.