Caregiver's January Fellowship

His Healing Oil

The Lord had given me some scriptures for this month’s gathering and as I pondered upon them they seem to fit right in with all that’s been going on since the beginning of the year. For myself, along with others I’ve spoken to, this has truly been a heavy and emotionally draining month. There have been many losses of loved ones, the heartache of prodigal children has increased, the trying illnesses, the painful words of loved ones, the weight of caregiving…the list is long. PRAISE GOD that we have refuge, comfort and strength in our Heavenly Father. Amen!?

Some trials and storms are much greater than others, but we must never let our flesh dictate the journey that God sets before us.

Acts 20:24 - But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to
myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received
from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

It’s time to get angry; angry with Righteousness! We need to fight; fight hard on our knees. It’s time to ask others to come and fight with you! That’s what our fellow soldiers are there for.

Job 2:11b - …For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with
him, and to comfort him.

This is what we can do for one another and it is twofold. Because when we look to comfort others, we take our eyes off of us and this is how sometimes God does the best work in us. This is the very tool He uses to touch us.

In speaking to my friend the other day, she shared with me of the wounds she endured by a loved one. She shared that her response was not a good one. Then she said this to me, “Satan made his way through a crack in my armor”. After I hung up, that visual stayed with me. As soldiers in Christ we are constantly facing a battle. Chances are that we are bound to miss a crack or two in our armor once in a while, when we forget to inspect our armor thoroughly. That is all the enemy needs - one small sliver to create havoc, destruction in our minds, our hearts and our very lives. We need to daily check our armor. Ephesians 6:13, Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

As I reflect back through every battle, I see and have experienced His healing oil upon His children, upon my soul. Thank you Jesus for Your loving kindness; thank You for Your Word that brings us such great comfort; thank You for Your healing oil.

Isaiah 61:3 - To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that
He may be glorified.

Ida