“ The LORD will sustain him on his sick bed and restore him from his bed of illness” Isaiah 41:3
I had returned to work for a short while but felt that a sabbatical was looming. My boss was very understanding but said it can take up to three months to arrange. The following day after consulting with HR he brought me into the office and granted my request to take a year from the end of the week. After Jude’s promotion to Glory, I came across Jude’s notes. I saw a prayer she had written down concerning this. It is too precious to show you this but it was a prayer that was answered….Thankyou Jesus.
This sabbatical enabled me to be available 24/7 and on hindsight, I would do this again a million times over. If you find yourself in this position with the needs of a sick spouse and you can take time out, I would fully endorse it. I know of two situations-one a Christian and one who is not, who carry heavy guilt over not being available when they could have made the right choice.
I know this last long period of treatment was very tough, bearing in mind Jude was in remission. Much sickness, high dangerous temperatures and I struggled in a way because I could not understand why it was necessary, but Dr Damian knew exactly what he was doing! I suppose a simple analogy is when removing garden weeds, you have to make sure the root is out!
It was during this time, Jude mentioned about the renewing of our marriage vows. I said I would chat with Pastor Tim and see if we could have a special ceremony in the coming weeks or months. I immediately started to think about a few things but Jude wanted to keep things simple and anyway covid was still causing problems when it came to numbers.
It was great to finally see Jude home Wednesday 17th February 2021.
Prayer
I pray, Father, that the perfect love you bestow upon us will cast out all fear even at the thought that disease could return.
For those who are at a critical time in their treatment, continue LORD, to bring a tangible peace to them and their families.
Father, it is true that sometimes we do not always understand your ways especially in the dark valleys of life.
We can agree with Solomon when he said;
“Trust in The LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5
We can agree also with the Apostle Paul when he said;
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
So, into your hands we commit ourselves afresh this day and we know you will continue to direct our steps.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Jude Gray 