You Make a Difference: Healthcare Heroesናሙና

Cast Your Cares on Him

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. I PETER 5:7 KJV

The first year in any profession is tough, and nursing is no different. Sarah was a new nurse who had been licensed for over a month. She started each shift by checking on her patients. On one particular day, the last room was different. Sarah was taken aback when she saw a young woman who was similar to her in age and appearance; it was like seeing herself lying in the bed. The young woman was unresponsive and lay motionless while Sarah performed her duties.

This patient remained at the center of Sarah’s thoughts throughout the day. She wondered what the young woman’s life had been like before the illness. As she thought of how unfair life could be, Sarah became overwhelmed by emotions. As the day went on, the young woman’s condition deteriorated. Sarah felt helpless as she realized death was inevitable. This was her first experience with a patient’s death. Sarah’s colleagues pitched in to help with her other patients to allow Sarah time to assist the family. Sarah listened as the family consoled one another and reminisced on happier times. Although the young woman was unresponsive, they knew she felt their love.

Surrounded by her nurse and family, the young woman took her final breath on earth and her first breath in eternity. Sarah was overwhelmed by the burden of it all and felt helpless because her patient died despite her best efforts. In that moment, she felt the Spirit of God reminding her to cast all her cares onto Him. The average healthcare worker faces a myriad of emotions throughout a shift. It is easy to become burdened when caring for others. Aren’t you glad that we do not have to face our burdens alone? As you take care of others, give God your cares because He cares for you!

FATHER GOD, as I go about my day, there are times when I am burdened and feel all alone. I often feel incapable of caring for the sick and getting everything done. When I feel overwhelmed, please remind me that You are near, and I can cast my burdens on You. And as I cast my burdens on You, may I inspire others to do the same. Amen.