Done for

podcast link:

https://anchor.fm/beth-madison/episodes/Done-for-e1f6cvk

Psalm 66:5 Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!

Patient Advocacy Post 8

How appropriate that as I sit here writing this, I’m feeling like I’ve already used up the energy for today, tomorrow, the rest of this week, and the next.

At best, I am functionally propped up by my chair, hot tea with lots of sugar, and sheer determination. In other words, I’m “done for”. Meaning that I just can’t. I can’t do or be any more than this greasy spot on the carpet underneath my feet. I’m depleted in energy, ability, time, or whatever resource necessary for the task in front of me.

If you’ve ever been “done for”, you know well what I’m talking about. And you also know that being tired ain’t got nothing on being “done for”.

Before the onset of chronic illness ten years ago, “done for” was unfamiliar in that I used to always be the first in line for the next activity or challenge, excited by what was around the next corner without any need for caffeine. Since then, “done for” can be intimidating (and even scary) to me in that I sometimes don’t know when I’ll fall over the cliff into “done for”. For when I’m there, I can’t just reach deep in and dig up another gram of strength to grit my teeth and keep moving forward, no matter what or who needs me at the moment.

Because in “done for”, there’s nothing there that can be called out or conjured up for another activity. There’s only fragility, frailty, and futility in this place of weakness.

Yet now, I’m realizing that “done for” is a special place. That special place where I’m not reliant on myself and can revel in the freedom of faith knowing that if something is going to be done, God will be doing it, not me.

God is described as having “done for” His people countless times in Scripture when they couldn’t do for themselves. He didn’t just step into the situation on their behalf; He did whatever was needed to complete the task(s) for them. Think about parting the Red Sea, providing manna and water in the desert, shutting lions’ mouths, or protecting in fiery furnaces.

God met those people in their places of “done for” and strengthened them over and again.

He will do the same for us when we are in our places of “done for”.

And there in “done for”, not only does God give strength, He gives me a better awareness of Himself as Sovereign and as Love. For there in “done for” is where I can best see the beauty of Philippians 3:3b We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort. In “done for”, there is no confidence in human effort because there is only the empty shell of me with an emptied well of strength. Yet that’s the beauty of this place of “done for” – Jesus doesn’t love me more or less here than He did ten, thirty, or fifty years ago when I was an overcomer (or at least thought I was). And here in “done for”, I can know and rely on His love for the next ten, thirty, and fifty minutes in this battle with pain and disability.

Scripture clearly tells me the truth that God has, can, and will do for His people. Thus, I can rest in His provision. All that is needed to be done will be “done for” me by my Good God. There is no end to His power and might and love.

He will accomplish “done for” in all these tasks before or around me in this place of “done for”, without my help. Scripture reminds me of this with Nehemiah 9:8b And you have done what you promised, for you are always true to your word and Psalm 119:65 You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as You promised.

And Scripture also clearly tells me my task in this place of “done for” in 1 Samuel 12:7 Now stand here quietly before the Lord as I remind you of all the great things the Lord has done for you and your ancestors.

Patient Advocacy tip for “done for”:

If you are a friend to someone who lives in (or often visits) this special place of “done for”, consider this – you might be the one whom God wants to use to help your friend. Showing His love through providing for her needs in bringing a meal for her and her family, running errands for her, stopping by her home with a thoughtful little gift, sending a card, email, text, or call or whatever comes to mind can greatly strengthen her now. The place of “done for” can be long and lonely. Even the smallest recognition of someone’s need can bring much hope and help to her at that time and for days after. Trust me, your actions for your friend in her place of “done for” are eternally important and influential, both for your friend and you. Little is much in the kingdom of heaven.    

Reflection prayer:

Dear Father God,

Thank You, God, for all You have done for me. Thank You, God, that You are and will do for me what is needed at the right time and in the right way. Thank You, God, for how You have used your people to help me in previous times of being “done for”. Please help me to trust You more in this place of “done for”. Please help me to worship You in the place of “done for” for You alone are worthy!

In the strong Name of Jesus,

Amen.

Psalm 92:4 You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done

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If you’d like to read other posts in this Patient Advocacy series, here’s a link to post 7:

https://soulscientistblog.com/2022/02/11/giving-grace-not-guilt/

Written by and copyrighted to Beth Madison, Ph.D., 2022.