More From Kelli K. Walker

Much has transpired since I wrote today’s devotional. I’ve said goodbye to a career. My husband and I moved to a different state. And the family member I was caring for—my mom—is now with Jesus.

Like the Ebenezer stone in 1 Samuel 7:12, my devotion paid homage to God’s help during a time of turmoil that was jam-packed with spiritual battles and relational growing pains. Thinking back, I was crumbling under the pressure of expectation. But I desired to honor my mom, so I kept leaning into God and learning at the feet of Jesus.

Weighed down with physical and emotional challenges of my own, I looked to Isaiah 40:31 quite often. I would reflect on God’s promise of what was true instead of solely on what my emotions and body were saying. And I trusted God to help me prioritize what had been planned for me to do rather than depend on myself or succumb to the pressure of expectation.

Though the years of mom’s illness were full of struggle, they were also overflowing with considerable spiritual and emotional growth punctuated by God’s peace. I’m grateful for this relationship, not just because she was my mom but because the required effort kept me praying and seeking after God. I’m convinced I wouldn’t have the precious relationship with Jesus that I have today if it were not for this refining.

God’s comfort was present throughout mom’s cancer battle and with every mile I traveled to and from her side. I also saw eagles twice more while driving back from her place, reminding me that I was never alone. God helped us finish well together. It’s a priceless gift I will never forget.

I’m reminded it’s not an accident when we hit a physical or emotional wall. These walls have a purpose. When we recognize our weaknesses, God’s power is perfected in our willing soul and is able to do things beyond what we are capable of in our own strength. That gives glory and honor to God. And we know it’s not us, but God through us.

My mom’s cancer journey was preceded by an intense three-year season of her caregiving for her own mom. I believe this had a significant impact on her health. Unfortunately, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), caregiving puts a caregiver’s health at increased risk for adverse outcomes, including premature death.

I’m praying this devotion will help support caregivers worldwide in prayer. And that it will help them recognize the importance of being anchored in God’s word, covered in intercessory prayer, and engaged in a spiritual community as they serve.

I’m so excited about all that God is doing these days. My writing began as a personal journal in 2018—a safe space so I wouldn’t forget about God’s miraculous healing in my life. Since then, I’ve felt the tug to continue to pursue writing. I am a part of an online writing community, and I also write for a women’s ministry website and Facebook page. In addition, I’ve launched my own blog—Woman Made Well.

If you’d like to connect with me outside The Upper Room, you can do so at my blog, https://womanmadewell.live, or through the Woman Made Well Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/womanmadewell.