In Our Trouble

Published on by Nancy

honey 6xxx

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

Trouble.  Jesus promises us trouble.  He didn’t say you might have trouble or there is a possibility of having trouble.  He tells us we will have trouble.

His words are recorded at the end of chapter 16 in the gospel of John.  Right smack dab at the end of His teaching to the disciples–which was meant to prepare them for His impending death and resurrection–He tells them what to expect and that it wasn’t going to be easy or comfortable.

He taught them but they really didn’t get it.  He also promised them a gift…the gift of the Holy Spirit.  When they received that gift after His resurrection, they understood and they received power to live as overcomers.

Jesus overcame death through the resurrection.  And His followers will too.  “But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”

But what does all this mean for me today in the here and now?

In my present situation, it means that when the doctor tells me that I will be my husband’s nurse–post bone marrow transplant–and there will be daily infusions to give him in his chest catheter, flushing the 3 lines with saline and heparin, taking his blood pressure, temperature and watching him closely for signs of disease…I tremble!  This is trouble!

And I cry out to God and I overcome my fears, not by bailing out, but by sticking in there with the help of the Holy Spirit.

When I am at my weakest, when I feel helpless and I look at Bob who is even more helpless, this is trouble!

And I cry out to God and somehow I’m uplifted and given strength that I could never muster up myself.

When I say, “I’m not capable for this task.  I’m not a nurse and if I wanted to be a nurse I would have become a nurse,”  and when I fear doing new things and organizing and administering 13 medications, preparing food that Bob can tolerate, keeping the house fit and sanitized for a transplant patient, and transporting him to hospital visits, I miraculously don’t cave under the weight of it.  Humanly, I think I will.  But I don’t

God knows ‘I can’t’ but through Him I can do all things.  Just like Philippians 4:13 promises.

And in the midst of the trouble there’s even moments of repose, quiet and deep peace.

It doesn’t always come easy but it comes.

God is good in the midst of trouble and in our weakness He is strong.  And that’s how we overcome.

Blessings,

Nancy ❤

(The above photo was taken in our home away from home near the hospital where my husband is being treated.  I have been photographing indoor scenes since I don’t get out in nature much.  My camera is my companion on this journey.  I thought I’d have to give up my photography but how could I?  It’s a gift from God, and all that I photograph are reminders of the small delights and simple pleasures that I have to be thankful for).

21 thoughts on “In Our Trouble”

  2. Oh Nancy, that photograph says it all…strength, comfort, loneliness, , light…beauty in this world….it’s beautiful and so soul touching…I can feel it. It is so amazing what God gives us to go through our life and all it’s challenges..you, my friend, are really getting hit with the challenges but you, also, are being held up during all this as is Bob. We love you two and you’re always in our prayers.

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    1. Thank you so much dear, Bonnie! Finding those moments and expressing them through my photography is truly a gift to my heart during this trying time. I appreciate your words and your prayers for us!

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  3. Nancy, what a beautiful testimony of God’s provision and peace this is. Your photography is perfectly suited to it too. You have a heavy load to bear, dear friend, so I’ll be praying for the Lord to continue girding you with His strength. Your husband, Bob, is blessed to have you beside him through all of this. You two are forever Valentines for each other.
    Blessings ~ Wendy

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    1. Thank you so much, Sheryl, for reading this post and for your comment. The verse you shared is comforting and it blesses our hearts to know that God will never leave us or forsake us. Blessings!

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  8. He is there every moment, guiding our hands to do what we never imagined we could. You are ever in my prayers, dear friend. God bless.

    Marisa aka MrsMariposa

    PS I didn’t know where else to share with you, so I will tell you here. The result of my obedience to God in leaving blogging has been astounding. I have several articles accepted for publication and, best of all, my book is coming out in July! I wanted to thank you for your encouragement. It plays a part in all this. Hugs.

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    1. Oh Marisa, I am so happy for you! I had a feeling one day I would hear this good news from you. You are a gifted writer and God is going to use your words to bless many. Stay the course. God always blesses obedience. Thank you for your prayers and I will pray for you as you follow God on this wonderful adventure. Let me know where I can get a copy of your book! Hugs and blessings to you dear friend.

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  10. There is no shame in admitting our weaknesses for in so doing we know to seek the strength we need from He who is omnipotent. In Him we are strong. Keep the faith.

    Hugs to you and Bob. Be blessed…

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    1. “In Him we are strong” Always a great reminder that there’s no other way to find the strength that we need. We must depend on Him. Thank you so much for stopping by and for your comment. ❤

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