What do you say to a Christian who is asking, "how can I go on Lord"?

Virginia, my prayers are with you and your sister and brother in law. Even the most dedicated Christian sometimes asks "why Lord". As in a few of the answers here, God never promised us a care free life, only that He would stand by us in times of trouble. I could offer several scriptures but you know your Bible. The two that immediately come to mind are:

Hebrews 13:5 "I Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you" and Philippeans 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Jesus Christ.

Please give my love to your sister and Brother in law and let them know that their faith is not misplaced. We are praying for them. In God's love, Prayer Warrior Sarge.

Geez. I can see why she feels this way, I've had a few of these huge overwhelming times myself. Fear leaps up and rants and raves, roaring about like a lion seeking to devour....Of course, first thing on my end of it: into prayer they and you go, and all medical personnel involved, and all loved ones of all those involved, impacted and/or concerned. Now to get into the 'practical human' side of things.

The way you describe it so well, she's taken an emotional plunge into the future, out of the now moment. Very natural occurrence, completely understandable. And that may well be why she is feeling so out of control. She has no control over any of it. And her sweet-heart just got 'nailed'. Just the 'straw' especially over the holidays. Fear running amok. Sigh.

I don't know if there are any words to say that will help her. There has been a 'death' to her way of perception, just now. And she is obviously grieving. Maybe she just needs to be able to 'go on' about her feelings and fears with someone who really can listen compassionately and not try to fix or counsel. Just be there for her in compassion, first. She knows the book of Job if she's been a Christian for 40+ yrs, no need to remind her when she is in the midst of it. Doubtful if she could or would want to hear. Sometimes when people get to just 'go on and on' they find the answers coming out of their own mouths. Which is much more powerful than anything I or anyone else on this planet can provide. Maybe you are that ear, maybe not if you and your sister are so close that her pain is your pain and you find yourself being 'sucked' into the downward spiral your sister is obviously experiencing. There are Chaplains at the hospital who can listen and also other family support the hospital provides, whether under 'insurance' or not.

Of course my suggestion would be for you to call up a functioning, experienced prayer team first, which you probably already have done so. Then see if you can provide your sis with the hospital's patient care support contact or a social worker contact through the hospital or county where they live. Ask her if you may let her pastor know about their situation, if she feels she just can't talk to anyone like that right now.

If you are in the vicinity take over some meals for her.

Or if not in the vicinity, maybe you can contact someone who knows her, or a neighbor and see if they can rally some immediate support (or through a local church if she doesn't want her church to know), like help with meals, or errands, or rudimentary housecleaning (garbage out, toilets and sinks cleaned, dishes washed, light vacuuming or sweeping, simple laundry wash, dry, fold, but not put away, that will give her something to 'do' when she's home, etc.).

Hospice may well be able to help out here, they are not just for someone in the last moments anymore.

Just let her know somehow that she is not forgotton unworthy nor unloved.

You and I can look for the blessings for her. And I know I KNOW that fear will not be the controlling force here. I hold for clarity for her and peace of mind. God's divine peace and clarity as the Holy Spirit moves in and through this situation.

It cannot be otherwise. As I reread this before submission, it all looks like wimpy stuff. But when we suffer and are in the grips of what feels like overwhelming fear, don't we just need an understanding heart and someone who will not run from the room if they can't fix things??? I guess that's called compassonate support. And maybe this is how she gets to step into receiving help from those she might not have expected.

Listen, You can and will go on, for the Lord did not go through the pain and suffer for nothing. This is an opportunity for growth not for despair. You can take care of your husband by calling the county that you live in, ask if they can help, also, call Social Security right away and ask them how they can help. You and your husband can rely on other means for a while and maybe for a long while. If your husband worked and can claim unemployment do that too. The hospital personal will also have suggestions. While your husband is in there they will help you get started. Remember, Jesus was alone. You are not!!! sending Peace of mind, Love from our Father, You are not alone!!!

Your sister has had problems in her life, but who hasn't?? Yes, it is hard to have to take care of a stroke patient. I had a fairly bad stroke when I was 37 years old. I am 54 now and doing well. It is hard from this side of the fence. I can only imagine how it is on the other side. My husband had colo-rectal cancer 7 years ago and cannot work now because of the cancer. If your sister can help her diabetes thru her diet, I suggest she do it now. Same with the BP She's playing hell with her kidneys. I will pray for them and I hope she doesn't give up on God. He'll be there for her no matter what. She has to ask. He'll show her the way. I guarantee it!

Even if you don't have insurance you get medical care in an emergency. If he becomes disabled he should be able to get medicaid . What age is he? There should be some County that will help him. Check in different areas of medical care to see where he can get help. I know a man with cancer that is 47 and the County he is in will not help him but another County will. He can't qualify for Medical insurance of any kind for another year and then he will get Medicare. He is on disability and get a little money from them. I don't know if any insurance company would insure him as he already has cancer. But he can get help if he wants.

I would think there should be some kind of help for the your brother-in-law.

I would tell them that the Lord brought you to it . He will bring you through it. I know it is a hard pill to swallow when things keep pileing up on top of another. Be we must have faith that the Lord will make a way. He would not give us more than we can handle. Honey try to keep your chin up. I know it can be hard at times like this. I am going through the same thing with my daughter and it does get really tough trying to keep an upbeat feeling, when the ones you love are suffering. God Loves you and will get you through. I will be praying for you and your Brother-in-law and sister.Please do not lose faith. God bless.

This is a really tough one, and a question we all face at times in our lives. I want to offer encouragement by telling you that my father had a stroke at the age of 84 and with physical therapy and people who helped care for him he lived to be 2 months shy of his 96th birthday. He did not have God in his life at the time, but he had so much determination to go on that he just wouldn't stop trying, and refused to give up. After much physical therapy he was up and about again in less than a year. A lot of it comes down to our own will and beliefs. He didn't believe in God, but he believed enough in himself to get better, and nothing was going to stop him. Your brother in law has the advantage of God in his life. I don't think this is a good time to shove faith down his wife's throat, just be there for her as much as you can and leave it in God's hands. Probably right now you will be the one who has to do the praying. I will be praying also. God Bless!

My Sister Virginia, the Lord will never give us more than we can handle. When all seems too much, we are to cast our cares upon Him. His yoke is light because He carries the load for us, if we let Him. One scripture that comes to mind is Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. This doesn't say that we will understand why, but promises that something good will come out of it. We may not even find out until we get to Heaven. I pray for your sister and her husband, for healing, good health, strength, and comfort. I pray for your comfort, and wisdom in this, all in the precious Name of Jesus.

†Prayer Warrior At Your Request†

Daniel 6:23b

And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

The keyword here: TRUST

**********************************************************************

Psalm 91

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

The keywords here: Again TRUST (in verse 2) and also LOVE (in verse 14)

Hey Sweet Virginia!

First lets put this in God's Hands. Lord, We put this situation in your hands. We also put our complete trust in You. I trust you Lord,I trust you Lord,I trust you Lord...We trust You Lord, We trust You! We plead the Blood over these two where they are weak Lord they will find their Strength in You. Renew their Joy and their faith. Touch their heads and anoint them all the way down to their toes. Lord we come together Now as unto Jesus our Savor and pray that You will place Your favor on them NOW! They will know that You are with them at the hardest times. Surround them with the Comfort of the Holy Spirit and give them YOUR peace that passes all understanding more than what we can think. We praise You Lord as Your will is being done and the enemy can not bind us when our focus is on You. Thank You Thank You we Praise Your Name Lord, I praise you as Doubt and disbelief is breaking away and we thank You for Jesus's Blood that allows us to be free...though our bodies die Lord our Spirit,mind,and soul will continue to praise You.....Give this family hope in you where it has been lost. Forgive us all for doubt that tries to creep in when things are not going our way or when things are at there worse( it is only a season) Glory-to-glory. Thank You Jesus for Your death and resurrection there is Power in Your name and You left us the Spirit as a Comforter and I pray that For this family...In Yeshua's Name We Pray, AMEN!!†EveryDay Prayer Warrior†