Major Life Changes = Stress

By Charlotte Riegel –

This past year took my husband and I through major life changes. Stress became my middle name. Thankfully our marriage of 44 years has survived renovating a large house in preparation for selling it. We then moved into a much older house ⅓ the size of the one we occupied for the past 17 years which necessitated a great deal of downsizing, and more renovations.

On the days when I thought I could not go on, I was reminded of Isaiah 40:31 and asked God for my strength to be renewed so that I could run through the events of my day without being weary. When I arrived at the end of those days feeling energized, I recognized my prayer had been answered and much had been accomplished.

Now, settling into my new home, on many days I still feel frazzled. I dislike these feelings of running off the rails and could not understand why I was struggling to cope. The Holy Spirit reminded me of a recent sermon I heard based on Mark 10:51. Jesus often healed people after they answered His question to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” I am hearing God ask me that same question. It’s not enough for me to simply call out “Help!” I need to become specific. I need to know what I desire God to do for me and then ask Him for it.

PRAYER: Lord, my need today is for sunshine. Please send some sunshine to brighten my days.
(This prayer was said after two weeks of fog and very grey, dull, wet, cold weather. I wrestle with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and two days later I woke to a cloudless sky and bright sunshine. I bounded out of bed and felt more energized and alive than I had in days. Thank you, Lord.)
“’What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see’” (Mark 10:54 NIV)