“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”—1 Peter 5:8

The past three weeks have been a struggle for me. With making sure my mother’s care taking needs are being met, I haven’t done a whole lot of knitting. I feel as if I am not only in a knitting slump but just kind of in an allover funk. I am having a hard time motivating myself to do the things I enjoy.

However, I know there is an enemy who loves to put us in a place where we use avoidance or isolation as a tool to cope. Going to the gym 3-5 days a week not only helps my sanity, but I just feel better overall when I work-out. I can tell you, there have been many days, where I think, I am just going to stay home. I really don’t want to see anyone, but I make myself go because I know once I am there, I will feel better.

The same thing happened the morning of my Knit, Pray, Crochet group. I finally had peace and quiet where I could spend time in God’s Word, which was something that had been lacking. My mom keeps her television so loud, unless I go out on her back patio, I can’t focus on any of my readings. I was basking in this much needed silence in my favorite chair in the comfort of my own home. It took everything in me to get dressed to join the group. 

No way I was going to give Satan a stronghold. I got ready and met with the ladies that I had missed so dearly. Was it relaxing and did I get a lot of knitting done? Not really, I got phone calls/texts for some of my mom’s healthcare needs, but being in the presence with those that know what I am going through and praying for me, was just what my weary soul needed. I know this next week will be better.

While I may not be my normal, perky self, giving away my knit gifts as often as I would like, I can see how God has been able to use me by sharing my testimony with some of my mother’s care givers as well as God giving me the tools to help my mom.

Who knew (well, of course, God knew) that when I chose the word, minister, for 2023, that God was going to use me to minister to my mom. Not just with care giving needs but also spiritually. When I am doing her IV medications, I pray out loud with her for the Holy Spirit to be with me and guide my hands for a successful infusion. I also use that time to read her some devotions to try and take her mind off what we are doing.

No, I may not be as focused on my knitting ministry as normal, but God is still able to use me where I am to minister for His Kingdom in other ways. He can do the same with you. Whether you are with children all day, caring for a loved one or home due to an illness, you are a daughter of the King Most High who He sees, loves and has a purpose and plan for you right where He has you.

Father God,

Forgive me when I let the lies of the enemy infuse my mind. Your Word tells us in 1 Peter 5:8, there is an enemy that is on the prowl looking for someone to attack. Help me to keep my mind clear so I don’t fall prey to his tactics. Thank You for the friendships that lift me up and pray for Your strength and peace to permeate my soul. I lift those up to You who are feeling lost. Lead them to scripture and people that can help them find their way back to Your peace and presence in their lives. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

 March Verse

“This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.”—Psalm 91:2 (NLT)

If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.