Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! (Side note: I know it’s not Wednesday… yet. But this blog has been in my queue for months now, and it keeps missing schedule… So ok, technology manual publish it is!) If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. And let’s respond to God’s call with a hearty “Wilco, Lord!” Help me welcome a very wise and loving, prayerful friend of ours, Cheryl as she shares a message you don’t want to miss.
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“For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” ~Romans 11:29
After being an intercessor for over 20 years, I never thought it would be hard to pray, but it was. There was so much pain. I relied on the prayers of others to carry me through. My mother was raised Catholic and repeated the prayer she had frequently heard in mass: “Lord have mercy.” We both prayed for God’s mercy.
Only 6 weeks after I had been diagnosed with cancer, had surgery and was on the road to recovery, my mother was diagnosed with stage four bone cancer. It’s a very painful disease.
Many days were spent trying to control my mother’s pain. I intervened often and, if necessary, aggressively, to make sure my mother was comfortable. I held her in my arms and cried with her as we waited for the nurses to bring the medication that would make the pain bearable. I helped her bathe, brush her teeth, eat and drink, and even put on her makeup and curled her hair when she was up to it. I arranged Hospice. I helped to keep her medications straight. I requested oxygen when it seemed necessary. And more…
My mother had been a nurse and so had I – and she loved that. But only two years after working very hard to get a master’s degree, I felt called by God to stay at home with my children. My mom was disappointed. She was proud of me and my career. But as it turned out, I was not giving up my job as a nurse but just using that gift in different way. And so it was, years later, in taking care of my mother that I had come into this position as caretaker/nurse for seven weeks for such a time as this. (Ester 4:5)
Do you ever feel that your time is wasted as a stay-at-home mom if you have a career but aren’t able to work outside the home? Or maybe you feel deprived that you haven’t had the opportunity to even pursue a job, career or further education? Life feels mundane. But God may be using that gift, talent, or skill you have now and you just don’t realize it. Perhaps someday God will ask you to use your talent for such a time as this. I was so grateful for the background I had in nursing to be able to help my mother. Not only as a caretaker but as an advocate in her care – in ways I could help only by having that knowledge I had gained many years ago.
I was also able as a Believer to guide her to rededicate her life to the Lord. And after she passed away the Lord told me through his Word, that my mom received the goal of her faith – salvation.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith the salvation of your souls.” ~ 1 Peter 1:8-9
I was also blessed to assist in taking care of both my father and my father-in-law for several years as they battled terminal illnesses.
“Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” ~Ephesians 6:2
God has used my gifts in more ways than I’ve ever deemed imaginable – as a stay-at-home mom.
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Cheryl is a Jesus loving lady who hopes that her story will inspire others to seek the one true God to help them and give them peace with whatever struggles they face in life.
Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley.
