CaregiverParaugs

RESILIENCE 

With all the challenges caregivers face, resilience is a quality that is much needed. 

Caregivers experience a variety of obstacles as it relates to their personal lives and in the lives of those they care for. A caregiver could possibly go through issues that range from the one they are caring for adamantly projecting an attitude of disdain because of their current condition,  to dealing with able-bodied family members giving voluntary advice that they won’t follow through with because they are entirely “too busy” to get involved. 

Whatever challenges a caregiver faces, praise God for the gift of resilience to bounce back and serve God. Serving as a God-honoring caregiver is a blessing for those in need, because it is a representation of God’s love. Caregivers, God’s grace is sufficient for you and there is a reward for the God-honoring seeds sown into one’s life.  

An example of a caregiver that led a life of God-honoring resilience was Ruth. Ruth was the daughter-in-law of Naomi. When Naomi’s husband and sons died, she set out to Judah along with her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, but whilst on the journey, Naomi insisted that her daughters-in-law go back to their country. Orpah went back to her country, but Ruth clung to Naomi. Ruth clung to Naomi and emphatically stated that she would go with Naomi and not leave her. 

It is in some of the most unique cases where a God-honoring caregiver is determined to take care of the one in need although the one in need insists otherwise. I believe Ruth followed the promptings of God to follow Naomi, all whilst trusting Him through the unknown. Ruth helped care for Naomi by going to get a job. Ruth faithfully exhibited resilience as she cared for her mother-in-law, during many challenges. Ruth’s resilience in sowing God-honoring seeds of caring for her mother-in-law, even when change seemed far off,  produced a harvest in her life that most likely exceeded her expectations. 

Caregivers, remain encouraged. Although the days are long, the recognition is few, God sees your God-honoring sacrificial seeds.  The very one you are caring for could be a part of the plan God has for you during this season for a magnificent change that will happen in your life. Be encouraged and be resilient in your call.