As I read this scripture in 2 Corinthians the other day, I couldn’t help but think about those who are dealing with a disease, a terminal illness, a loss, or struggling with feelings of hopelessness. It also made me think about something that happened around this time last year, when I was caring for my mother, who was wasting away from A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). She was at an all-time low, emotionally and physically. She did not have the use of her hands, and her legs had become too week for her to walk safely. She was completely dependent on people to do everything for her, and it was affecting her mental and emotional well-being. On one occasion, she became angry with me, saying that I never hugged her and didn’t love her. I knew this was far from the truth. I understood that she was really just blaming me because she was unhappy with her life, her disease, and her inability to function normally. It was heart-breaking to know there was nothing I could do to take away the dreadful disease she was living with.

After listening to my mother’s accusatory words, I told her that I loved her. I knew this really wasn’t about me not loving her, but about her being depressed and frustrated with her situation. I began to ask her what God had been speaking to her. She admitted that she didn’t know and that she felt very far from him. I told her that He loved her and still wanted to teach her things through this horrific disease. I told her that even though she might not be healed, God still loved her and wanted to use her to show his love to other people.

My mother wanted to give up. She was so overwhelmed with her circumstances that she had forgotten to fix her eyes on the only one who could give her hope and peace. Although her health did not improve, her perspective did, and breakthrough happened.

There are so many people who are facing difficult things right now…so many who don’t know if they can face another day. If that’s you, Never Give Up! Tomorrow your situation could change. Tomorrow a miracle could happen. For now, fix your eyes on a God who loves you and wants to bring you peace. Focus on what is unseen instead of the chaos around you. The road of life you’re on is worth it and you will get through it.