Subtitle: We Live in a Broken World

Excerpt: The author reflects on God’s faithfulness through personal trials, finding hope in His presence and encouraging others to focus on their own journey with Him.

Author: Rina Schultz

I look back on my life, and I see God’s faithfulness. I also look at the world, and I see God’s faithfulness. At the same time, I see my own brokenness and the brokenness of the world around me.

Life isn’t a mere walk in the park. It’s filled with challenges. It shouldn’t surprise me. Jesus said that each day has enough troubles of its own (Matthew 6). Some days, and some situations, however, are overwhelming.

Such was the case when I recently heard that a friend’s mom had a stroke. While in the hospital, doctors diagnosed her with dementia. My heart broke. I wouldn’t wish such tragedy on anyone.

My husband suffered a stroke almost three years ago. It’s been a difficult time. Fortunately, we were so focused on the challenges of each day that we didn’t realize how taxing it would be. When I look back on the last three years, I can see how far we have come. I’m grateful for God’s faithfulness, yet it’s not a path I would choose to take.

My husband lost mobility and feeling on his right side, and he lost his ability to eat, drink, and speak. I had to care for him, just as a mother would take care of a newborn. He couldn’t do anything for himself.

Thanks to occupational therapy and his tenacity, he’s able to walk with a tripod cane, and he can shower and dress himself. I still have to button shirts, zip zippers, and tie shoelaces, as he hasn’t regained the use of his right hand. Shaving him, clipping his nails, and providing him with food and drinks still fall on my shoulders. 

He’s determined to speak again. We progressed from spelling out words on a printed alphabet to him occasionally air-writing words I can’t understand. He’s right-handed and can’t write with his left hand. Air-writing is the closest he comes to writing. He sometimes types messages on his phone. 

We are able to hold a conversation, although I have to listen carefully as his pronunciation isn’t clear. On a recent visit to the dentist, he was amazed that the dentist could understand what he was saying. Yes, he’s come a long way.

God has a unique relationship with each of us and a unique plan and purpose. I’m reminded that He told Peter to focus on his own path with God and not concern himself about John and whether he would live forever (John 21). We each have our own troubles each day. We each have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Our hope is in Him and not in our circumstances.

I look back over the years, and I marvel at how God carried us and brought us through every difficult time. Looking back, I’m sure I wouldn’t cope if I had to do it over again. I’m grateful for God telling us to forget the things of the past (Isaiah 43:18-19). He’s constantly doing a new thing. We don’t have to navigate terrain we’ve already traversed. However, knowing how challenging it has been, my heart aches for my friend and her mom. They are at the start of their journey. I know God will faithfully carry them too, but it won’t be an easy path. 

There were many days I felt exhausted physically and emotionally. I had ample opportunity to throw in the towel, but God pulled me through. I know He will do the same for them. My friend knows it won’t be an easy journey, but she is positive about God’s help and presence in their lives.

Maybe it won’t be so difficult for her. Maybe her faith is stronger than my own. Whether our faith is strong or weak, God remains faithful. Jesus didn’t turn His back on those who were weak in faith, and He marveled at those who were strong in faith. I’m reminded of the father who cried to Jesus to help him believe (Mark 9:23-24) and the Roman centurion who knew the power of Jesus’ words (Luke 7:2-10). Jesus helped them both. 

He will help me to take one step at a time, and He will help my friend do the same. In a world full of turmoil, I encourage you not to look at the strength of the storm, but at the faithfulness and power of the One who is with you through it all.