Menai Anglican Church recently asked its members to share things for which they could thank God in the midst of COVID-19. This is an edited version of a heartfelt story one member posted on the church’s Facebook page:
I can no longer have a “normal” conversation with my husband; cannot share my thoughts, my needs, my concerns with him. To a large extent I have become “single”, though married, and do experience the loneliness of that.
But I am never alone. Through this I have found my ever-increasing need to talk to the one who loves me unconditionally, understands me wholly, knows my every need, who listens to my every word and responds with grace beyond my understanding – our great Father.
I am grateful for COVID-19 and I am grateful that my husband of 36 years has Alzheimer’s. Both outrageous statements, but nonetheless true.
God has allowed these circumstances for his purposes
Why? Because both circumstances are completely in our great God's control, and allowed for his purposes. I believe this with my whole heart.
I cannot accept some things as God's will and leave others to “chance” or “mistake”. Everything comes from the Father and during this time of isolation he has reminded me of his words in James 1:2-3: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness”.
“I am grateful for the wonderful ways he has shown me his love”
I am so grateful for the wonderful ways our Father has, and continues to, bless me with strength, courage, and patience as he carries me through each moment with just enough grace for my needs.
I am grateful for the wonderful ways he has shown me his love and stirred in me a deep yearning to know him more, love him more and serve him more – however that looks, in all areas of my life.
Praise be to God; my husband is now on a sedative at night to help with the random episodes of potential “wandering” in the wee small hours of the morning.
God has opened every door
In April, despite being told previously that I could not be with him during his pacemaker replacement because of COVID-19, on the day of surgery God opened every door to me. I was not only welcomed but appreciated by doctors and staff throughout the whole process. Praise the Lord!
“Isolation has been a time of renewal and reaffirmation of God’s great love”
Our Father has provided unexpected Bible quotes, links to inspiring songs of praise, offers of prayer through text messages and also via Zoom and phone conversations.
He has enabled me to become a bit “tech savvy” so as to join my sisters in a growth group via Zoom as well as church each Sunday. I’ve even learned how to connect an HMDI cable so I could run my laptop through my little TV in the study.
Just recently he opened up an opportunity for me to join a dementia support group via Zoom and that has been very encouraging.
These are but a few of the ways he helps me, guides me, encourages and enables me in things I have never had to do before. I’ve been reminded that he wants to bless me and grow me if I let him. Isolation has been a time of renewal and reaffirmation of God’s great love and purpose.
