As it turned out, he had to be rushed to the ER with a ferocious pneumonia (protesting all the way!), and as we spent the next week in critical care, my default emotion would have been consuming, fulminating WORRY. In that state I would have been no encouragement or help to anyone, including my husband. But because the gracious Lord had prepared me just the day before; arming me with His Word and turning my face from the worry to His strength and love, I was freed to minister peace in the midst of a storm.
The Lord even provided me a stand of pine trees just outside his hospital room window. Their limbs were all thrust upward toward heaven. I had to smile, for God had given me a daily reminder to keep my focus on Him. "I trust you Father. Whatever the outcome, I trust you with my life and I trust you with my dear husband. I will rest in Your will and give thanks for Your provision." So, when my husbands eyes searched my face for answers over the oxygen, breathing tubes, and tangle of IV tubes, my voice was calm, my expression relaxed, my words, peaceful and encouraging, - because of me? - Oh no. Because the Lord provided for my need ahead of time, and continually through the hard time. Thank You Father. Thank You!
Hubby just went outside in his "work in the yard clothes" to do some project or another ( he loves projects). He's back to his old self and I'm so grateful that through a health minefield, God held my hand and allowed me to be a help and not a hindrance to him. I'm learning, thanks to my kind and patient Heavenly Father.
"Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" Mark 6:27
Blessings,
Patti and Cara
For more re: the subject of worry, see page 247 of
Classic Christianity:A Year of Timeless Devotions Vol I