
A Lesson in Abundance
All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.—Luke 21:4 (NIV)
For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.—LAMENTATIONS 3:31–32 KJV
The days are too busy. The nights, too long. The pain, too great. The sorrow, too overwhelming.
And yet, somehow, you go on caring for those the Lord has put in your life.
How is this possible?
It comes through the infinite, renewable mercy of God. Every new morning comes with a new mercy.
Sometimes, though, we miss the mercy in the mayhem. Because we caregivers tend to be brilliant multitaskers, we can easily reduce life to a set of activities and errands that we think we can control.
As we move from one task to the next, we may start thinking that we are managing things pretty well by ourselves—and we might fail to see the hand of God in our lives.
Let’s slow down, step back, and look at the bigger picture. We can do nothing apart from God’s mercy. Let’s acknowledge His hand on our lives and stop trusting our own strength.
If we’re managing at all, it’s because God is upholding us, bearing our burdens, and sustaining us with His unending compassion and grace.
Father, how often I think I’m managing life well on my own. But I couldn’t care for these people without Your help. I thank You for Your compassion and mercy each day. Without You, I could do nothing.

All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.—Luke 21:4 (NIV)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.—Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)