When a family member is sick, it can be difficult to cope. Life suddenly becomes very fragile. Many of us scramble, trying to do a thousand things to help, or we become still in our hopelessness and shock. These times call for the power of God. His power is reflected in grace.

Finding Strength In Him

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” —2 Corinthians 12:9

I think that if we apply the truths from His very tongue, we will begin to be the light He desires for us to become, even while the storm is happening. We can pray. We can seek His kingdom. We can show a holy, selfless love to our family. We can do the small things for them, or the big things, even. We can share laughter and break through the pain little by little. We can be the light for them.

Yet, I know it’s hard. As human beings, many of us have mastered worrying. When sickness strikes any member of our family, we grow uneasy. They found clusters in your mother’s breast. They diagnosed your father with lung cancer. Your sister was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Given the circumstances, worrying seems second nature, but even God asks us who can add a single hour to his life by worrying. God desires for us to press into prayer instead of dwelling on our worries.

Asking For Peace

God tells us to make known our requests before Him (Philippians 4:6). We start with prayer. This guides our hearts into peace, allowing ourselves to trust in the will of our Father. In Ecclesiastes, we learn that there is a time for everything, including sickness, death and mourning, as well as healing and new life.

In seeking His Kingdom more, we allow ourselves to glimpse into eternity, and we are acknowledge that this is our temporary home. Our Savior tells us that He’s gone to prepare a place of many rooms. If anything, conceiving the depths of heaven will still our restlessness, and will allow us to comfort our family members who are ill.

A Holy Love

This is a time for us to show a holy love to our family. The members who are sick will be able to perceive such a love, even amidst a harrowing battle. That’s when you see the smile through the tears. A selfless love is what Christ embodied, and what we should also reflect.

Sickness isn’t new to God, and I know He certainly doesn’t like it; just imagine all of the people Jesus healed in his lifetime. You and your family may be afraid, but even amidst the depression, anxiety and bouts of restlessness, just keep speaking gentle whispers of strength and encouragement. This is the light that God desires us to be.

If you are the family member who is sick, remember that you are a fighter. You are chosen, still very much called to a glorious purpose, one that will stream through your blood until God calls you home. Keep fighting the good fight, even as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and don’t forget that God is ever with you, always holding you and constantly fighting for you (Isaiah 46:4).

You may also be interested in How To Surrender To God & Find Hope When Tragedy Strikes