“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:7

In Sickness and In Health

As I watched the ceremony when the royal couple took their vows, it reminded me of the vows that Floyd and I made to each other before the Lord many years ago. They’ve actually been on my mind a lot recently. We made the commitment of “In sickness and in health, for better or for worse.” On the joyous wedding day, all you think about is the good times. But in recent years we’ve been walking through the “sickness” and the “worse” parts.

We all know that there are hard times in life. There’s sickness and difficulties. But when something like this “unexpected journey” comes along, I realize how unprepared I was for the tremendous impact on our lives. Everything is turned totally upside down. I am so, so aware that I can’t make it without God’s help.

Thankfully, we made those vows before God—and He comes through to help us when we go through the hard parts. That’s when His “grace becomes sufficient,” when “His power is made perfect in our weakness.” That’s when He continually holds our hand. He never leaves us for a second. He helps us with each and every thing we face.

Someone asked me recently about making a trip to the U.S. I told them that I couldn’t leave Floyd. I don’t know what’s ahead, but I know I need to be here with him. That’s part of the vow and commitment I’ve made. And I also know I need the Lord’s help in fulfilling that commitment.

Whatever tragedy, whatever hard thing we face, God is with us in the midst of it. He never leaves us. He never gives up. He never says, “This is too much.” He never takes a vacation because He’s tired. He never takes a day off—or even a second off. He never runs away from the pain and sorrow. He’s not exhausted when I become weary.

He is faithful, faithful, faithful! He is closer than the air we breathe. He continually holds our hand. He comforts us. He sustains us. He gives wisdom to every decision we have to make. He pours His healing balm into each pain we face. He gives strength when the tiredness is overwhelming. He gives abundant grace to help us endure. He is continually by our side.

My love for Floyd has grown through the years. We’ve endured a lot of things together. And now, in this season, God is helping me endure these current circumstances, and fulfill my commitment to Floyd.

“Father, thank You for helping me fulfill my marriage vows. I know none of us walks alone.The joy of our wedding celebration is undergirded with Your wonderful grace when we live out those vows. Thank You for giving what we most need, just when we need it. Amen.”