It’s Alzheimer’s – It’s Time For Extraordinary Loveনমুনা

Alzheimer’s is a journey. God walks with you.
By Pastor Curt Seefeldt, Director of Church Relations at The Lutheran Home Association

God will not abandon you or your family as you face Alzheimer’s disease. His promise is that he walks with you in every trouble. “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).

“I will help you” is the Lord’s promise. He is paying attention. God assures you that as he walks with you, nothing can separate you from his love. This promise is recorded by Paul: “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38,39).

God invites you to come to him, again and again, to listen to his promises. So as a caregiver, make devotions and Scripture-reading part of your care plan for yourself and for your loved one. Accept God’s invitation to talk to him in prayer. He personally invites you, saying, “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15). Pray! He is listening.

Then look for his help! Of first importance, his help comes in the salvation that he provides. He assures you that this gift is yours as he leads you to repent of your sin and trust in Jesus for forgiveness. This gives you peace with God and assures you of the promise of eternal joys in heaven.

But he does not stop there. Some of his help will come to you in the form of other blessings. It may come from medical science, such as medication that controls the symptoms of the disease. It may come from medical professionals, friends, or family—Christian or non-Christian people who will support you and help you cope. The Lord’s help to you may be the ability he gives you to acquire new skills and develop innovative ways to support your loved one in this time of need. All of this assistance from the Lord is reason to give God praise and to tell others what God is doing for you.

Alzheimer’s is a journey. As you walk down the road, know this: you are not alone. The Lord is going with you. He will provide you with people to help you. He knows your needs. He will never leave you. He is at your side to help you the entire way. That is his promise.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, when I feel alone, remind me that you are always near. As I read your word and meditate on your promises, fill my heart with strength. Give me the courage and wisdom to let others help me and the person to whom I am providing care. Help me see that allowing people to show their love to me is just as important as showing my love to those around me. Keep hope alive! Your promises proclaim “the best is yet to be” as you take us all through this vale of tears to yourself in heaven. This is your promise to me and you are the person who doesn’t lie. Help me trust in you to grow! Amen.

Get more expert advice and practical tips on supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s in the booklet It’s Alzheimer’s.