Today's daily devotion

Giving…Above and Beyond

After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have finished drinking.”—GENESIS 24:19 NIV

A home health care nurse cared for the same elderly woman day in and day out. Her job was exhausting. She also fought feelings of bitterness for the woman under her care—and for that woman’s family. Couldn’t anyone see how much she gave? If so, why were they so demanding? Why did they take her for granted? And why didn’t they ever thank her for her hard work?

If you’re working tirelessly to care for someone, then you understand this nurse’s predicament. Maybe you cook a meal for someone only to have him or her refuse to eat it. Or perhaps you change an adult diaper only to have to change it again moments later. All caregivers go above and beyond the call of duty, particularly if they’re caring for people unable to care for themselves.

Don’t give up, caregiver! The Lord gives us the strength to go above and beyond the call of duty. No, He doesn’t call us to be martyrs. Yes, He does want us to give of ourselves to help others in need.

Lord, sometimes I feel like there’s nothing left in me to give. And yet I can’t give up. I know You don’t want that. When I feel as if there’s nothing left, remind me that my strength comes from You. Help me to give…above and beyond.

Adapted from

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