“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”—John 10:10
Three times this week, God has given me John 10:10. I had already started to write this post, so when I saw it on the screen at church on Friday, I had no doubt to keep plugging along on writing this.
Last week’s blog, I encouraged us to pray for our church leaders during Holy Week. I should have added to the prayers for God to protect us as well from the attacks of the enemy. Let me tell you, he was in full force with me regarding my mom this past week.
I ask for grace on writing about this topic so much. It is such a big part of my life; it is hard not to write about it. For any of you who have had to help care for a loved one with any type of dementia, I know you understand. For those of you who haven’t, I share so you can have empathy for those that are.
My mother has always taken in pride in her outward appearance, so when anything happens where she thinks she isn’t “pretty,” it is exhausting for me. Yes, I set boundaries and don’t answer every one of her phone calls, but I to listen to the messages in the event I do need staff to check on her.
Well, a week ago, she thought her wrinkles under her eyes looked bad, so rather than sparingly dab her eye cream around her eyes, she over did it. Very quickly, she had an allergic reaction. I told her to not wear any make-up and only use soap and water to wash her face.
After a few days, her eyes started to look better. Rather than continue what I had asked her to do, she started wearing her make-up again to cover up the redness. Of course, this aggravated it. By Monday of this week, we were at the doctor with her crying about how “ugly” she looked.
While the enemy was trying to knock me down, I gave God praise that not only could the doctor see her that day but also the first appointment after lunch. Because she has no concept of time and doesn’t like having to wait, this was a HUGE way God provided for her as well as making it easier on me.
I try not to get too discouraged when I am at a doctor’s appointment with her trying to state the facts with the medical provider. The result has been her crying to the doctor how mean I am to her and I don’t ever stick up for her. This recently happened not once but twice in a one-week period. During those appointments, I felt the enemy doing his best to steal my peace. In fact, he did at that first appointment, but I was prepared and on guard for the second one.
The God’s Word Translation of John 10:10 reads; “A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came so that my sheep will have life and so that they will have everything they need.” Despite the chaos with my mother, God has given me everything I needed this week. He not only provided an optimal time for a doctor appointment, but He also orchestrated a lunch date with one of my good friends who made a great suggestion.
When her dad was alive and she took him to his doctor visits, ahead of time she would type up all her questions/concerns. At the appointment she would hand it to the nurse to give to the doctor so they could read over it before they came in the room. So simple and much better than me sending a message through the patient portal that wouldn’t be fresh on the doctor’s mind.
With Alzheimer’s I know my mother will continue to get worse. However, God has put people in my pathway to make this journey a little more bearable. We have an enemy and he is real. Thankfully, we have God in our corner to fend off his attacks.
The devil’s goal is to try and destroy our lives and testimonies. If he can make us weak, it will make it harder for us to let God use us. But God can and will use whatever adversity we face and use it for His glory. It touches us and enables us to accomplish God’s purpose for us. God can use our trials to teach us how to walk with Him.
Father God,
Forgive me when I let the enemy steal the peace You so freely give me. Thank You for providing prayer warriors who are interceding on my behalf. I give You praise for all the ways You provide respite when I am mentally exhausted. I lift those up to You who are struggling with a loved one who is sick. When they feel discouraged, help them to put their focus back on the only One who can give them peace and rest in their soul. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Amen.
April Verse
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”—John 10:10
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