Listen to this devotion
In Sickness and in Health: Working Through Health Issues
In the Word
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2).
Of the Word
Why do we call it a funny bone when there’s nothing funny about hitting it? Nothing is funny about a serious health problem, either. A serious illness puts pressure on both spouses. Time, effort, and attention are needed to cope with the illness. Financial stresses may be heavy. Guilt for “causing” the strain may be an added burden. Other problems may include uncertainty about the future, worries about intimacy, and feelings of resentment and entrapment. Any combination can challenge even the strongest marriage.
Communicating feelings, sharing words of appreciation, and restating one’s commitment are all ways of helping to alleviate the pressure. God walks with us in our illnesses, and spouses who do the same are acting out the very essence of God.
Walking with my Lord
Dear Healer, have mercy on us as You had mercy on those who needed healing. Give us patience in our time of affliction. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 27/28 ©2008 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.