Doing in the Impossible

As I write these words, I am sitting with my dad.  It’s been more than two years since he was diagnosed with cancer.  We were told he had six months to live eighteen months ago.  And yet he is still going.  I didn’t say going strong, because that’s not the case. He requires great care and much attention.

            Dad has lived with my sister and her husband for almost two years now.  They have provided wonderful care for him, and at a great sacrifice.  I try to come up and relieve them as often as I can, but I’m five hours away, so my trips have to be planned.

            Caring for an ailing parent is quite the challenge.  Roles are reversed in ways that we couldn’t have imagined.  It’s often difficult for both sides. 

            I have asked a lot of questions over the last couple of years. Why is this happening? What lessons is God teaching us through this? How long will it last?  What should I be doing differently?

            Here’s the thing. I don’t have the answers to these questions. That last one especially haunts me. My sister and brother-in-law are making great sacrifices for Dad.  I want to be there for him, and I want to help him. But I have obligations as well, both at church and with my family. My church family has been so obliging, and for that I am grateful.  Still, I want to do what I have been called to do as pastor.

            Do you ever find yourself in an impossible situation?  What are you to do?  I have come to this conclusion. You do what you can.  And you trust the Lord.  Is that easy? No, not always. But He has called us to be faithful. We leave the results to Him, knowing that He loves us.

            Whatever you may be facing, remember this. The Lord is with you. He has not forsaken you. You can trust in Him.