Compassion fatigue is real – and it comes alongside the physical and mental fatigue our healthcare heroes face daily in the line of duty. This 5-day reading plan can bridge the gap when no effort seems to matter. It places encouraging words in the hearts and minds of caretakers who need a regular reminder that they can draw on the strength of the One who cares for them. He is there to provide a helping hand and revitalize their spirits even on the toughest days.
DaySpring
Day 1
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7
Cast Your Cares on Him
Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. I PETER 5:7 KJV
The first year in any profession is tough, and nursing is no different. Sarah was a new nurse who had been licensed for over a month. She started each shift by checking on her patients. On one particular day, the last room was different. Sarah was taken aback when she saw a young woman who was similar to her in age and appearance; it was like seeing herself lying in the bed. The young woman was unresponsive and lay motionless while Sarah performed her duties.
This patient remained at the center of Sarah’s thoughts throughout the day. She wondered what the young woman’s life had been like before the illness. As she thought of how unfair life could be, Sarah became overwhelmed by emotions. As the day went on, the young woman’s condition deteriorated. Sarah felt helpless as she realized death was inevitable. This was her first experience with a patient’s death. Sarah’s colleagues pitched in to help with her other patients to allow Sarah time to assist the family. Sarah listened as the family consoled one another and reminisced on happier times. Although the young woman was unresponsive, they knew she felt their love.
Surrounded by her nurse and family, the young woman took her final breath on earth and her first breath in eternity. Sarah was overwhelmed by the burden of it all and felt helpless because her patient died despite her best efforts. In that moment, she felt the Spirit of God reminding her to cast all her cares onto Him. The average healthcare worker faces a myriad of emotions throughout a shift. It is easy to become burdened when caring for others. Aren’t you glad that we do not have to face our burdens alone? As you take care of others, give God your cares because He cares for you!
FATHER GOD, as I go about my day, there are times when I am burdened and feel all alone. I often feel incapable of caring for the sick and getting everything done. When I feel overwhelmed, please remind me that You are near, and I can cast my burdens on You. And as I cast my burdens on You, may I inspire others to do the same. Amen.
Day 2
Scripture: Proverbs 17:22
Good Medicine
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. PROVERBS 17:22 NIV
Everyone loved Dr. Harry. He had been a staple within the community for years and loved helping others. For Dr. Harry, being a physician was more than a job; it was a calling. In all his years of practicing medicine, he never once turned down a patient who did not have the resources to pay.
In the early days, he often received payment for medical services in the form of crops. Those within the community were extremely poor, and many had to choose between medicine and food. No one else wanted to offer medical services in this community; every time someone came in to help, they became overwhelmed and found a reason to excuse themselves. Dr. Harry’s day started at 6:00 a.m. and often ended well after dinnertime. Although he was inundated with patients, he never became frustrated or complained about all the work.
Throughout the day, he sat with his patients and heard their complaints while offering a dose of hope. He had a great sense of humor and typically ended each patient encounter with a laugh. At the bedside and in the office, Dr. Harry was known for providing good medicine. Dr. Harry worked in the small community for more than fifty years and impacted many with his “good medicine.” On the night of his retirement, the entire community came to wish him well and thank him for all his years of service. One special former patient came forward and thanked Dr. Harry for saving his legs when he was injured in a bicycle accident as a child. This young man went on to become a physician himself and later served as the new “Dr. Harry” for the community. With tears in his eyes, Dr. Harry responded, “It was more than medicine; it was my passion.”
GRACIOUS FATHER, thank You for your unfailing compassion and love toward me. Throughout each day, help me to remember You in everything I do. Help me extend the same compassion and love to others as You have shown me. May I offer Your “good medicine” to everyone I meet. Amen.
Day 3
Scripture: Romans 8:17-18
Ouch! That Hurts!
And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ROMANS 8:17–18 ESV
“Mrs. Washington, I am telling you—it’s a bad idea,” said nurse Chris. “This new eight-foot slide and gymnasium with monkey bars for our fourth graders is a disaster waiting to happen.” The school had received a grant for activity equipment, and the decision was made to purchase a slide and gymnasium with trapeze bars to be placed on the playground. Despite the nurse’s warnings, the equipment was installed, and the injuries began. It was the usual scraped knees and elbows—at first.
Emma was sent to the nurse’s office after a fall from the monkey bars. When she walked in, Chris noticed she was holding her arm as if to protect it. When Chris conducted her assessment, the arm had a little bruising and no swelling. Emma was able to move her fingers, and the arm was not discolored. But when Chris touched her arm, Emma hollered out, “Ouch! That hurt!” Chris initially thought it was a sprain, but it could have been a fracture. Chris called Emma’s parents, who took her to the emergency room. The X-ray revealed fractures in three places.
In life, we may not realize how hurt we are until someone touches us. Outwardly we appear strong, yet internally there is something more going on. How wonderful it is to know that God is there to heal our hurts. Like an X-ray machine, He sees the things that remain invisible to the natural eyes. You can safely reveal your hurts to Him, and He will help you heal those places no one else sees.
FATHER, help me to release my pain to You. I want to feel Your healing touch in my heart’s deep, hidden places. Help me to place my life completely in Your hands and trust Your will for my life. Amen.
Day 4
Scripture: Mark 2:17
The Great Physician
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” MARK 2:17 NIV
Jesus reclined during dinner at Levi’s house. Levi was a tax collector, and the table was surrounded by many tax collectors and sinners; Jesus’ disciples were also present. The entire focus of Jesus’ earthly ministry was to turn the hearts of the people back to God. The religious leaders of His time took issue with Him eating with sinners and tax collectors. They were determined only to accept those whom they deemed worthy. They did not believe the grace of God was available to anyone except them. They looked down on those who were unfortunate and refused to engage with sinners.
Then Jesus came along and called into question their behaviors and their beliefs. He offered hope and the gift of reconciliation to the lost. Jesus worked many miracles and touched the lives of many during His short earthly ministry. Jesus took time to minister to those who were sick or lost. He spent time teaching sinners and proclaiming the gospel to tax collectors. He didn’t spend much time at the finest tables, nor did He wear the most elegant clothes, even though He was a king. He spent time helping those who were hurting and in need.
Jesus knew there would be times when healthcare workers would be required to care for those with terminal illnesses, those without the ability to pay, and those with self-inflicted illnesses. These situations can become overwhelming and, at times, even heartbreaking. Try to remember today that you are called to serve. In serving others, you are serving God. In your labor of love, you serve as the hands and feet of Jesus on earth. Take confidence in knowing that God is honored when you accept and humbly serve the hurting, the needy, and the sick.
FATHER, there are times when I am overwhelmed, and my heart is broken. May I love and minister to others the way You did when You walked this earth. Help me to serve my patients and colleagues in a way that brings glory to You. Amen.
Day 5
Scripture: Romans 8:17
We Are His Children
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. ROMANS 8:17 NIV
Patricia was nervous yet excited. Today was the day: Baby Joy was being adopted. Patricia and the other caregivers at the facility had cared for Joy since birth, and now she was leaving with her forever family. The caregivers wanted to meet her new parents because they had all fallen in love with Joy. They had taken turns holding the precious baby for hours on end, and her smile always made them smile in return. They all knew this day would come, and while they were excited for Joy to meet her family, they would miss her terribly.
Joy seemed to know her family was coming to get her because she smiled all morning, and her big blue eyes twinkled with extra brightness. Throughout the morning, each staff member came up with various reasons to stop by Joy’s room for a final snuggle and a smile. It would be bittersweet to say goodbye to this precious little one. Shortly after ten, baby Joy’s family arrived. Patricia met with the parents in her office and shared with them basic instructions for feeding and baby care. Patricia really liked them; she could tell they were a loving couple and that Joy was going to a good home. Finally, the time came for Joy to meet her parents.
As Patricia placed the baby in her new father’s arms, Joy smiled brightly and filled the room with laughter. She was happy to finally have a family. She felt loved; she now had a home. Isn’t it wonderful to know that even when we feel forsaken by the world, we are accepted by God? We are His children; as such, we can run to Him in times of trouble or heartache. Today, take comfort in knowing that you are safe in your Father’s arms. He will provide for you and meet your every need. Rejoice today; you are His child!
LORD, thank You for accepting me and loving me unconditionally. I am so grateful to be Your child. When others reject me, help me remember that I belong to You. Amen.