The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
“‘If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’”—ISAIAH 7:9 NIV
Caregiving throws all kinds of curves at us. In this vital position, we can’t afford to be swayed by the circumstances that swirl around us.
It’s so easy to become discouraged, frustrated, jealous, and angry. Anxiety and guilt can also burden us, making us weaker spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Even positive emotions like love and joy—if allowed to run out of control—can cause us problems. So what are we to do?
Stand firm in our faith. That kind of firmness keeps us from being run over by our emotions. When fear comes, faith sends it away. When sorrow overwhelms us, faith brings comfort. As weariness sets in, faith strengthens. And as love grows, faith makes it grow to God’s glory.
The firmness of our faith depends on our relationship with God. When we read His Word, go to Him in prayer, remember His character, and believe in His love, our faith grows stronger. We’ll stand rather than sway. We’ll be sturdy, not frail. Ultimately, we’ll enjoy victory over defeat.
Dear God, help me to stand firm in my faith. May I never build on a foundation other than You.
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)