Following Jesus in Nursing: A Daily Devotional for Caregiversنموونە

Take one minute, and breathe in and out slowly. Ask Jesus to make his presence known to you. In what area of your life do you feel you lack something? How can you rely more on Jesus during a time of scarcity?

It had been a super dry year in the Muslim region of Senegal, where I was serving as a missionary nurse. The peanut crop, the primary source of income for most surrounding villages, had all but failed. There was barely enough to sustain the farmers through the year. Forget about saving any peanut seed for next year’s planting. The village chiefs were asking the missionaries for assistance, and we felt we could do little to help with this overwhelming need. What on earth could we do? God brought to mind the story of Jesus’ disciples wondering how they would feed the crowd and Jesus asking the disciples how much they had. We had little, but we had supporters in North America, and we could ask them for help. In obedience to God’s nudging, we asked. The response was amazing! We purchased several tons of peanut seeds.

Before distributing the seed, we invited the chiefs to see the storeroom of sacks of peanuts. They were astounded at the abundance. “This is amazing,” one elder exclaimed. “And all of this is from followers of Jesus?” God had used this season of scarcity to point people closer to Jesus, and we rejoiced.–Grateful for you, Margaret

Spend time today reflecting on how Jesus is a good shepherd to you. Ask him to give you the abundance (of faith, compassion for others, energy to serve others, and generosity toward others) you need in your current situation.

Dear Jesus, thank you for your care for me. Help me feel you with me today. Help me care well for others today in your strength. Amen