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By Karen Smith

Did you and I really mean “in sickness and in health” when we spoke our wedding vows?

I walked down the aisle in my beautiful white dress, met my husband at the archway, and repeated my vows “in sickness and in health” with all the passion in the world. You too, right? We often recall our wedding day with vivid memories of each and every moment.

When In Sickness and In Health Becomes Reality

However, when our spouse receives an unexpected diagnosis, that vow “in sickness and in health” becomes more and more difficult to honor as the demands on us as caregivers rise. An internal struggle ensues, questioning if we truly meant those words “in sickness and in health.” Are you one of the blessed wives who identify with this scenario? If so, I get you, friend.

Notice the adjective I used to describe what kind of wife you are. Blessed. 

Some days in the sickness struggle, feeling blessed is the furthest thing from your heart and mind. However, I want to assure you that as you rise each morning and provide mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual care to your spouse day after day, you are blessed.  

A Scripture with Five Promises In Sickness and In Health

Isaiah 41:10 NLT tells us, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

One scripture with five promises. I am with you. I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will hold you up.  

While caring for an ill spouse, we must stop and recall His promises to us. It is imperative to our spiritual and emotional health.

It’s okay if you feel alone. It’s okay if you’re wrestling with your faith. It’s okay if you feel weak or helpless. And it’s okay if you think you can’t accomplish one more task, give one more ounce, or make one more step. 

We can recall the five promises in Isaiah 41:10 right in those tough moments. Somehow, God will send us an extra burst of energy to complete the next thing. Sometimes, He may send someone else to lighten your burden. Often He helps you reprioritize the items on your to-do list.

Victorious In Sickness and In Health

I know situations sometimes stink when we are wives and caregivers, even if caregiving is for a brief time. However, our attitude changes when we can turn our focus to God and away from our stinky situations. Our attitudes transform from “poor me” to I am “blessed beyond measure.”

God is with us in our weakness, strengthening us, helping us, and holding us up. Living out “in sickness and in health” is not an easy commitment to fulfill on our own. However, when we hold tightly to God’s promises in His word, we can face life’s difficulties with a radiant and grateful heart, knowing we are blessed beyond measure.  

The word “victorious” catches my eye and comforts my heart. God is victorious, and we will be victorious with his presence in our lives. This is yet another reason to live life knowing you are blessed beyond measure.

Wife Tip: Meditate on Isaiah 41:10 today. Speak it out loud to yourself. Write it on a notecard and claim God’s promises all over yourself today.

Grab our free marriage resources here!