22 Mar When You Feel You Can’t Handle Any More Sickness

Her emailed prayer request had an urgent tone, “please pray for healing for our family…we have had three different types of flu come through our house in the last four weeks..” She went on to explain other illnesses that had occurred simultaneously and ended with a heart-cry, “This all just seems too much. Please pray that we would focus on the many ways that God provides for us and not become overwhelmed.“

Does this mother’s thoughts sound familiar to you? Can you resonate with this scenario? I know I can!

Since having our first child eight years ago, our family has been blessed with longer stretches of health and wellness, but we have also experienced weeks of sickness that I thought would never end.

So what can you do when you wake up to yet another toddler bed covered in throw-up or a crying and feverish baby?

An Opportunity to Trust

Sickness is an inevitable part of living in a fallen world. But I’m going to say that it’s okay after three rounds of stomach flu in two weeks to have a good cry under your covers. When you come up for air, here are some positive actions you can take in the midst of sickness:

Ask God for Healing – this may seem intuitive, but sometimes we moms can go rushing headlong into making baths, preparing Pedialyte popsicles and making doctors appointments before even uttering a request for healing to the Divine Physician.

In addition to being our Savior and Lord, among other things, Christ is Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our Healer. When someone in our family is sick, we like to anoint that person with oil in the name of the Lord and pray for His healing in response to James 5:14. To get you started, here are some other great scriptures on God’s healing power. When we look to the Lord, we are acknowledging His sovereignty and his power over the situation.

Remember What Others are Facing – There are many people who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses, diseases, and hardships. Reminding ourselves of those who are suffering greater trials than ourselves can not only fill us with compassion, but also serve to enlarge our perspective and remind us that, in reality, a case of stomach flu is a hassle and inconvenience, not a tragedy.

Thank God for His Provision – As my sister -in-law has said, it’s important to see God’s provision in the midst of sickness and other trials. Make use of the great blessings He has provided your family and thank Him for it all: your pharmacy, doctor, hot water, food, a warm and comfortable home, everything.

Seize the Opportunity to Serve – My kids need extra snuggle and story time when they are sick and there’s an opportunity for me to grow in my intimacy with them if I embrace it. Needs have a way of bringing people closer together.

Brighten Up the Atmosphere – Is your kid downcast because they have to be in a cast for 8 weeks? Have a cast-signing party. Have they been in bed too long without friends? Get them out for some fresh air and think of some creative ways to get them giggling in spite of their sickness. Skyping with friends or family can be a great pick me up.

Take Care of Yourself – When was the last time you had a shower or gotten some exercise? If family sickness persists, make sure you get breaks from your care-taking role to sleep, eat, and get out. It’s the whole reason for the airplane lecture on “putting on your oxygen mask before assisting others.” Enough said.

Invite the Help of Others – One time, when my husband and I both got stomach flu at the same time and were completely incapacitated, my then-six year old tip-toed into the room feebly and asked, “Mom, do I have to take care of everyone else today? Will there be an adult to help us?” She looked like she was about to cry.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure if there would be, but after a plea for help to one of my besties, she arrived at my door at 8am and whisked all three girls away to her house, leaving me and my hubby to recover in peace.

Is your spouse gone and your entire family sick? Enlist help. Say yes to casseroles or play dates for well kids or pedialyte from CVS. Say yes (and ask) for help when you reach your limit. Or, preferably, before you cross it.

You may not want to be a burden to others, but biblically speaking, community is present to “bear the burdens” of its members. Let people into your mess and demonstrate Christ’s love to you and yours. It may not be long before they need you to return the favor.

Finally, remember that seasonal sicknesses like flus and colds don’t last forever. No one likes sickness, but when it comes your way the next time, I hope you have a few more ideas on how to handle it in a way that blesses both you and your family.