During this time leading up to Easter that many celebrate as Lent, what do you see God drawing you towards in better understanding of His character and love? Laura shares.
“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His” (Job 12:13).
As we prepare for Jesus’ death and resurrection of our upcoming Easter I am reminded of last year at this time. I crashed physically–and then emotionally–due to the sheer frustration of added health problems. I remember specifically beginning this medical slide when I saw my out-of state cardiologist on Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday, in several Christian denominations, is the beginning of Lent; the time of reflection and penitence leading to Easter Sunday.
My heightened medical needs came to a conclusion on Good Friday–a Christian religious holiday commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. I recall those 40 days of Lent as being tremendously difficult.
But the amazing outcome was I learned to rely on Jesus more on a daily basis.
When a new medication to deal with an additional problem seemed to cause adverse side effects recently, I called my doctor’s office. I am still working to resolve this issue. Anyone with a chronic illness knows oftentimes the answer comes after several phone calls and options, despite the fact it seems fairly easy to resolve.
I have been left with an irregular sleep pattern, causing me to fall out of daily routines.
I was left praying, Okay, God, thought I learned a lot last Lenten season but perhaps not enough. What are You teaching me this time?
Perhaps the message is this: regardless of my physical limitations I need to seek counsel and comfort from Him.
Don’t get me wrong. I still have unpleasant feelings related to my latest problems. These include uncertainty, sadness, and fear. But feelings are quieted when I read the scriptures, pray, attend Bible study and church, and reflect on God’s goodness.
And on Easter Sunday I will gladly rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection.
Prayer: Dear Lord, bless and guide us as we enter this Easter season. Help us to quiet ourselves so we can listen to Your messages. Amen.
About the author:
Laura Seil Ruszczyk lives in New York with her husband of 27 years and her three children. She is a retired elementary school counselor who currently runs a HopeKeepers group at her church. She has dysautonomia, the deregulation of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls such invisible functions as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and temperature regulation.
How do you prepare for Easter? Do you search out what God would like you to understand more about His love and character?
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 