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DevotionsProverbs31MinistriesDevotions

A Journey with God

Leah DiPascal

February 11, 2008

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be
moved. Psalm 55:22 (NKJ)
I was not looking forward to the trip. As terrible as it sounds, I would have done anything to send
someone else in my place so that I didnt have to face my mom. You see, many years ago my mother was
diagnosed with an incurable disease that has affected her physically, mentally, and emotionally. It has
been so painful to watch someone I love deeply waste away to nothingness and know theres nothing I
can do but pray and trust God.
The first three days of my stay were the toughest. Mom didnt recognize me, which was extremely
difficult. I kept asking her several times a day Do you know my name? or Who am I? but she would
just look at me with a blank empty stare as if I wasnt there.
I cried out to God. Please Lord, not yet! I still have so much I want to tell her. My heart was breaking. I
asked Him, How much longer are You going to let this go on? Just take her to heaven where she can be
whole again. This load is much too heavy and we are all so tired and weary from the journey.
On the fourth night after bathing my mom, brushing her teeth, and helping her get into her nightgown, I
reluctantly wheeled her over to the bed. Bedtime is difficult for her due to restless sleep and bad dreams.
Bedtime is always accompanied with tears. As I tucked the sheets ever so tightly around her and kissed
her forehead, I was reminded of when I was a little girl and how she would do the exact same thing for
me as part of my bedtime ritual. We said prayers and then ever so hesitantly I asked her once again
Mom, do you know my name?
Slowly she looked up at me with her beautiful brown eyes and said Of course, Leah. I know your name.
In that very moment, I was filled with indescribable joy and peace. Nothing else mattered. I didnt care
that we couldnt go shopping anymore or that we werent able to have lunch with friends. It didnt matter
that she couldnt read me those beautiful poems she had written so long ago or sit on the floor and play
with my boys. She knew who I was, and that was good enough for me.
During my stay, I was challenged in countless ways, but God was so faithful and continued to assure me
that everything was going to be all right. He even answered several prayers I had been requesting for
months. I was also reminded of todays verse. He wants me to cast my burdens on Him and allow Him to
sustain me. He wants me to trust in Him and not to lean on my own understanding.
This is certainly not the plan I would have chosen for my mother yet through this experience I have come
to realize that trials and challenges are inevitable. I must learn to expect them, submit to them and learn
from them. All the while, realizing that behind each challenge I find a God who longs to pour out His love
on me and to carry my burdens if I let Him.
Do you have a parent who is aging and needs your help, or a loved one who is suffering from an
incurable disease? Or, are you carrying burdens that are much too heavy to bear? Perhaps you have been
asking God tough questions and waiting for your prayers to be answered.
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8/23/2015

DevotionsProverbs31MinistriesDevotions

One thing I am learning is that when we ask our Heavenly Father for something, the journey He takes us
on while we wait on Him is often times greater than the answered prayer itself. I hope you will let Him
carry your burdens today and trust that He knows what is best for you and those you love.
Remember, you were not designed to walk this path alone. He is right by your side to strengthen and
sustain you each step of the way.
Dear Lord, help me to trust in You when life doesnt make any sense. To know that You love me
unconditionally and are always there to carry my burdens. Remind me to seek you first when trials and
challenges come my way and to recognize Your faithfulness and goodness throughout my journey in life.
Related Resources:
P31 She Speaks Conference
A Love Worth Giving, by Max Lucado
Do You Know Him?
Application Steps:
Take time to reflect on some challenges in your past and write down the ways God has shown His
faithfulness to you and how your prayers were answered.
Reflections:
Do I really expect God to carry my burdens or am I more comfortable carrying them myself?
When challenges come my way, who do I run to for help and advice?
In what areas of my life do I trust God the least?
Power Verses:
Psalm 68:19, Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (NIV)
Deuteronomy 31:8, The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor
forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (NIV)
Categories: God's Perspective, Spiritual Growth

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