Before the earth was formed, God already had a very distinct plan for each of our lives; however, finding that unique purpose requires us to believe he is still capable of bringing order out of chaos. In today’s blog, I will share how this reality has guided me in my role of caregiver to my precious wife:   

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters (Genesis 1:1-2 NLT).

That desolate scene was transformed into unbelievable beauty and order by seven spoken commands, each delineated by, “God said!” Then, suddenly God gets very personal:

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:26-27 NLT).

When we accept this wonderful truth, the stage is set for understanding our Triune God made us tripartite beings, and we are equipped to do the things he planned for us long ago. 

Our Triune God Made Us Tripartite Beings.

Paul illustrates God’s intent in making us in his image to be like him: May the God of peace make you holy through and through. May you be kept in soul and mind and body in spotless integrity until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is utterly faithful and he will finish what he has set out to do (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 PHILLIPS).

• Through a physical BODY, utilizing sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch; we interact with our environment.

• Through a SOUL which cannot be seen, we demonstrate the uniqueness of our personality through mind, emotions and will.

• Our SPIRIT, a God-shaped vacuum within us where God resides, enables us to know and carry out the purpose of our existence.

Later, Paul profoundly connects God’s intent with God’s purpose: For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).

We Are Equipped to do the Things He Planned for Us Long Ago. 

Beginning with infancy, the development of meaningful communication is a lifelong process. Therefore, an orderly progression in the development of spoken language can be observed: Words are associated with objects, places or persons. Sentences slowly develop as more objects, places or persons are included. Comprehension occurs when concepts and ideals enter the equation. This, the apex of meaningful communication, provides both the foundation and motivation for the continuing advancement of civilization. Of even greater importance, it offers irrefutable proof that we have been made in the image of God. Sadly, the development of Dementia stops all forward momentum and gradually moves the sufferer in reverse order back through the process.

• In the early or mild stage of Alzheimer’s, Linda’s comprehension was largely intact, and with some adjustments, we joyfully lived our lives and carried out the work of ministry.

• In the middle or moderate stage, comprehension became an issue; and it was necessary for me to patiently answer her questions, regardless of the number of times they had been previously asked, and assure her she was valuable to God, family and me. During the early years of this stage, she often questioned why this was happening to her and expressed frustration that she had not been healed. Gradually, she accepted that the progression of the disease was inevitable, bravely continued with life and focused more than ever on her heavenly home. 

• Now, in the late or severe stage, communication is increasingly difficult and limited to objects, places or persons. I strive to follow a pattern which can be adjusted to the available time limit. The core essentials include letting her know she is beautiful, greatly valued, immeasurably loved and moving toward being with Jesus forever. I do this through stories, songs and prayers that are consistent, familiar and related to her world.

• Envisioning the future, I am praying that God will mercifully take Linda home before this horrible disease ultimately takes her life.  However, resting in his sovereignty and not relying on my wisdom, as her homegoing draws nearer, I will adjust accordingly. In the final days and moments of my time with her on this earth, I will communicate through meaningful touch, messages of love whispered in her ear, prayers expressing my praise for what God is doing in her life, and songs that focus on her destiny.