It all started with a phone call that caught me off guard.

“Dad’s in the hospital,” my sister said.

“What’s wrong with him?” I asked.

“We don’t know. He just wasn’t feeling right. I’ll keep you updated.”

I wish I could’ve said, “I’m getting in my car. I’ll be right there,” but I couldn’t—because I lived eleven hours away.

I felt powerless, and my anxiety kicked into overdrive. So I kept up a steady stream of texts, calls, and voicemails. But because we didn’t know what was wrong with my dad, I couldn’t even busy myself with searching causes, treatment, and prognosis on WebMD.

After all of the anxious thoughts, wondering, and “what if”s, the news came that my dad just needed a pacemaker and should be fine.  The doctors said he’d go home in a just a few days. But even with that momentary assurance, I knew I would have to live with the knowledge that anything could happen to my dad at any moment—and I would be powerless to stop it from happening.

Finding Peace in Uncertainty

When I feel powerless to help the ones I love when they’re sick, it’s easy for me to become overwhelmed. Have you every felt this way? Are you struggling to cope with the sickness of your loved one?

Seeing someone you love suffer from sickness—whether you live far away or close by—can sometimes feel impossible to bear. But God can give you strength to face the uncertainty. When you’re in need, he cares for you. And God cares for the ones you love even better than you can. The Bible tells us that “God’s love never fails” (Psalm 136:26b CEV). We can count on God to love us well.

If you are anxious about a sick loved one today, join me in praying for them and for you as we read through Scripture below:

Lord, watching someone I love suffer from illness is painful. I wish that I could fix them, but that’s not possible. Help me to be at peace knowing you care for them.

Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 GNTD)

Help me to feel your presence and comfort today. Encourage me through your Spirit to know that even though I can’t heal my loved one, they are being cared for by you.

Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the LORD your God, am with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 GNTD)

God, thank you for loving me. Please help me remember that you are in control and show me how to rely on your for strength and comfort today. Amen.

Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. (John 14:27 GNTD)