I recently had some major surgery. While I was recovering, God reminded me of the blessing of health! As a mom and foster mom, I had found myself grumbling about my job as a caregiver. Even resenting those that have to be cared for. While I had a bedside table full of medication, was in pain, discomfort, and struggled to sleep, God reminded me that it is a blessing to GET to take care of others. Do you also need some encouragement to keep up your role as a parent or caregiver? Even the most joyful, selfless caregivers will get tired or discouraged at some point. Here are 8 verses to meditate on when you feel weary and 4 Christ-followers who will inspire you to complete the race set before you!
8 Verses of Encouragement
1. Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Don’t give up! God constantly encourages us to persevere and finish the race well!
2. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
3. Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
He will give us rest and renewal!
God never made us to be superhuman. He knows we have limited time, strength, and energy. Go to your Creator for replenishment. He loves you and wants to hear from you!
4. Psalm 119:114 (NIV)
114 You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.
Not only is God encouraging us to persevere, and to go to Him for rest; He is also protecting us!
5. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
6. Psalm 73:26 (NIV)
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
7. Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
8. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
There is so little we can do on our own! When you feel weary and discouraged, God is at the ready to strengthen you for another hour, day, month, and more.
The Apostle Paul
Bible.org shared a great article on the Apostle Paul and the successful christian life:
“Anybody can start something, but very few can finish. When we look at the narratives of Scripture, many began well but didn’t finish well. Noah was a righteous man who saved himself and his family from the flood; however, the last we hear of him, he was drunk, naked, and being mocked by his son. Moses was supposed to enter the promised land; he had victoriously led Israel out of Egypt. But, he too doesn’t finish as he would have desired. He dies in the wilderness with the unfaithful Israelites.
It is not hard to become a Christian—we are called to believe and follow Christ. But it is hard to faithfully follow him to the end. It is hard to have a successful Christian life. Therefore, because of Paul’s success, he must be studied and modeled… From his Damascus conversion to his second Roman imprisonment and ultimate death, Paul faithfully finished the course before him. He shares this with Timothy to inspire him, and us, to do the same.”
3 Inspiring Disabled Christians
During my recovery, I thought about 3 incredible Christians – Joni Earackson Tada, Nick Vuijic, and Jennifer Rothchild – who also happen to be disabled! Despite their profound disabilities, they have spent their lives encouraging others and telling them about Jesus. To me, it would be really challenging to stay so positive and encouraging all the time with limited mobility – and yet these brothers and sisters in Christ do it every day! How? Jesus.
Joni Earackson Tada
Joni Earackson Tada had a terrible diving accident as a teenager in the 1960’s and it left her quadriplegic. Yet within a few years, she started a tremendous international outreach for the disabled through her Joni and Friends Ministry. Over the years she added the Wheels for the World ministry, books, movies, radio, and a podcast to name a few. She has gone on to also marry, record music albums, paint, and recently celebrated her 70th birthday!
Nick Vuijic
Australian Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs and struggled with deep depression and bullying. Yet he eventually came to give his life to Jesus and became a worldwide evangelist through telling his story. Nick is leading many to Jesus and inspiring people young and old to reach for their dreams. He is now married with 4 children, has written several books, and has a podcast.
Jennifer Rothchild
Jennifer Rothchild lost her sight as a teenager and had to give up her dreams of becoming an artist. But through this debilitating setback, she kept her focus on Jesus and followed His plans for her life; she became a successful writer, speaker, and singer. She is married with 2 adult children and has a great podcast!
Conclusion
When you feel weary and discouraged in your role as a caregiver or parent, go to God! He provides us with perseverance, rest and renewal, protection, and strength. He loves you so much more than you even realize; read His Word and pray! Remember the saints before us who completed their races well, such as the Apostle Paul. And look for inspiration from others like Joni Earackson Tada, Nick Vuijic, and Jennifer Rothchild, who are leading abundant lives despite great physical disadvantages. God, our Father, wants to see us complete our unique races well. And with God at your side, nothing is impossible! May we always stay inspired by some of the Apostle Paul’s last words:
2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Edited by Allie Anson
Life with Jesus 
Thank you so much for posting your blog. I needed this exactly at this moment.
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God is so good! His timing is always perfect!
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