Most everyone knows her name and a bit about her work. But few know of the discouragement and self-doubt she faced, the depression during her early twenties that led to suicidal thoughts, the criticism she endured, her ruined health, and collapses from overwork.
Yet Florence Nightingale, Mother of Modern Nursing, persevered through it all.
Even as she suffered, Florence wrote, “It is such a blessing to have been called, however unworthy, to be the handmaid of the Lord” [1].
We marvel at her determination and strength, yet such endurance is available to us too. God has provided numerous ways for us to endure all circumstances.
Especially in this time of turmoil and uncertainty in our world, we’d do well to build up a nest egg of intentional faith deposits—deposits that include:
STANDING firm on the Bible
Psalm 119 in particular celebrates the benefits of immersion in God’s Word. A short-list would include: delight (v. 16), counsel (v. 24), understanding (v. 32), hope (v. 49), comfort (v. 52), wisdom (v. 99), truth (v. 160), and peace (v. 165).
Who couldn’t use more of these qualities in their lives?
TIME with God
Turn your mind to worship throughout the day, and in the process of being worshiped . . . God will communicate his presence [2]. Awareness of his presence then leads to strength, and strength leads to quietness of spirit.
TRUST in God’s character
Those of us who’ve known God for awhile can attest to his unfathomable grace, unwavering faithfulness, never-ending compassion, supreme goodness, infinite wisdom, over-arching power, and perfect love.
Meditating on his attributes also replenishes our spiritual strength.
.
APPROPRIATION of what God has provided
Think of the value of such God-given gifts as forgiveness, prayer, the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, and contentment.
Why would I ever say, “No thank you, God!” to such glorious gifts?
DETERMINATION to stay in the fight
You might remember that composer Ludwig van Beethoven became deaf, beginning in his twenties. Yet he declared, “I will take life by the throat” [3].
May we exercise such determination and embrace our life in Christ with the same tenacity, no matter the circumstances. Strain contributes to strength.
AWARENESS of the evidence
How has God provided for you? Protected you? Guided you?
Contemplate the examples and you’ll find yourself echoing the psalmist: “You make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands” [4].
And joy in the Lord also fosters strength [5].
ENJOYMENT of God’s blessings
To keep the joy flowing, remember his magnanimous blessings—those gifts beyond necessity and surprises beyond dreams.
More joy; more strength.
FELLOWSHIP with God’s people
Praise God for family and friends whose winsome ways make our lives a little lighter, whose compassion makes our troubles easier to carry, and whose love and encouragement enable us to press on.
They infuse strength when ours begins to wane.
SINGLE-MINDEDNESS on the goal
With the Apostle Paul we can focus on one thing: forget what is behind and do our best to reach toward what is ahead, “which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above” [6].
All of these deposits . . .
S tanding firm
T ime with God
E njoyment of God’s blessings
A ppropriation of what God has provided
D etermination to stay in the fight
F ellowship with God’s people
A wareness of the evidence
S ingle-mindedness
T rust in God’s character . . .
. . . will contribute to the kind of STEADFASTNESS that propelled such people of faith as Florence Nightingale and Ludwig van Beethoven through the adversities they faced.
And do you remember what happens when perseverance finishes its work in our lives?
We become mature, complete, and lacking in nothing [7].
Ready for anything.
[1] https://www.christiantoday.com/article/god-has-spoken-to-me-and-called-me-to-serve-12-inspiring-florence-nightingale-quotes-to-mark-her-birthday/108984.htm
[2] C. S. Lewis, quoted by Linda Dillow in Satisfy the Thirsty Soul, 17.
[3] https://bible.org/illustration/life-throat
[4] Psalm 92:4
[5] Nehemiah 8:10
[6] Philippians 3:13-14 GNT
[7] James 1:4 HCSB
Art & photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.wkikimedia.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.piqsels.com.
From the Inside Out 
That was an exceptional post, Nancy. I love what you wrote historically and you always add something to lift my spirit. Thank you so much. May the Lord bless you.
Praise God these posts lift your spirit, Shelley. That puts a big smile on my face! As for your prayer of blessing, God demonstrates his goodness to me every day. Your prayer has already been answered!
Such an inspirational message today, Nancy! I’ve certainly become more aware of God’s incredible grace and healing in these post-pneumonia months. This week at a doctor’s appointment, I saw the CAT scan or my lungs taken when I was hospitalized compared to the one I just had done. The improvement is nothing less than miraculous, and it was overtly obvious to me that God’s hand has been in it from the beginning. He is most definitely a gracious God who will never forsake us. He’s answered prayers I didn’t even know how to pray.
Blessings, my friend!
Hallelujah for your miraculous healing, Martha! Thank you for sharing about it here–such an encouragement for us all to keep praying and keep believing. I praise God with you that “the Spirit intercedes for us in accordance with the will of God” (Romans 8:27)–when we don’t know how to pray!
Most Excellent!
Nancy, this is so edifying and elemental in its richness. I ALWAYS need reminders of these gifts and graces. I didn’t see the acronym unfolding and was delighted by this memorable culmination. Thank you for the beautiful photos you selected as well. The night sky and the tree-lined road leading into translucent mist especially drew me in, further quieting my spirit and evoking wonder. Feeling blessed! Thank you.
And thank you, Laurie, for giving me the blessing of your kind comments. I always need the reminders too, AND the affirmations that come along with review. In this case, as we seek to incorporate these disciplines into our lives, we can KNOW we’ll be ready for anything. As for the acronym, I chose to introduce the key words out of order in an effort to organize and prioritize them, so it’s no wonder you didn’t see the acronym coming!
Nancy, you had me from your beginning with the example of Florence Nightingale to the ending acrostic poem. May my nest egg of faith deposits grow only larger each day as I remain steadfast in the Lord.
AMEN, my friend–I pray the same!
Always thankful for women through the ages who have inspired us all.
Blessings!
And I love reading the stories of Christian women who lived out their faith in spite of the difficulties they faced. Inspiring and encouraging indeed!
I never knew that Florence Nightingale suffered depression. I love your phrase, intentional faith deposits. Yes- that is what we need!!
Nightingale’s depression resulted from pressure to give up her idea of nursing and follow the rules of society (especially of her well-to-do family): attend social functions, seek the attention of an appropriate suitor, and marry. Her parents finally relented and allowed her to train as a nurse. As for the phrase, intentional faith deposits, we DO need to be diligent. Faith doesn’t grow by chance, does it!
Intentional faith deposits. I’m tucking that phrase and these truths away in my heart and mind, intentionally! Thank you, Nancy, for such practical spiritual truths in this blog. Having victory and finishing well means a life of these intentional habits. You listed them beautifully! Blessings!
Thank you, Patty. Isn’t it wonderful that as we make deposits, delight in the disciplines also grows? God is SO gracious!
I love that word – steadfast. It makes me think of the Hans Christian Andersen tale, “The Steadfast Tin Soldier”. The soldier had only one leg (there wasn’t enough metal to make two) and he falls in love with a paper ballerina (who is standing on one leg). His devotion to her through the adventures of the story alludes to some of the words in your anagram – standing firm, determination, single-mindedness, trust. Makes me think H.C. Andersen was a man of faith!
I’ve heard of that fairy tale but don’t think I’ve ever read it. Might have a copy though in an old book of fairy tales from my childhood. Will have to check it out! Even if Andersen didn’t intend the story to have Christian undertones, he may have included them (unawares) just the same!
very thoughtful blog post,Nancy! and love the Florence quote! Happy weekend.
Thank you, Jean! We did enjoy a happy weekend–plus an extra couple of days with our younger son and his wife. Lots of engaging conversation, much laughter, and some great food. Very restorative!
Once again, the Lord led me to read this just at the right time. I was listening to a Christian radio broadcast that in summary imparted this: ‘Don’t let the liberal ways of the world steal your joy.’ I have been struggling with a terrible sadness in my soul this past week. He IS steadfast and will see me through this. And, as you know, I love reading about people. We all struggle and I only need look to people like Florence Nightingale and Beethoven to see how God got them through their trials. Thanks.
Glad you caught that radio broadcast, giving you that timely advice. I’m also praising God for his timing (again!), that this post especially ministered to you right when you needed it. Hallelujah!
Nancy, I was not aware of Florence Nightingale’s depression. If only being steadfast marked our lives like so many examples of great heroes of the faith. Thank you for sharing your beautiful gift with us.
Thank you, Pam, for stopping by and taking time to leave your encouraging comment. I never knew either of all the struggles Florence Nightingale faced. Such perseverance she evidenced, provided by the power of the Holy Spirit within her!
I had no idea that Florence Nightingale suffered from depression. She was one of my childhood heroes, so I really appreciated this woven lesson for my heart. STEADFAST! That’s what I long to be!
I’ve witnessed your steadfastness as you homeschooled your four boys and now as you face health concerns with strong faith and great equanimity. You ARE running the race with STEADFASTNESS, Michele!
Oh, you’re warming my heart, Nancy. Thank you for these words.
You’re more than welcome, Michele!
Thank you Nancy for sharing this inspiring devotional. When we see the Lord’s Word framed around the perseverance of others, we can’t help but feel the Spirit nudging us as well. Peace be with you.
Amen, Richard! We have thousands of examples through history of saints like Nightingale and Beethoven who’ve proved the validity of God’s ways as laid out in the Bible. I find great encouragement in their stories!
Awesome! I knew a bit more than some others because I almost became a nurse and studied her way back when, but I sure learned some new things here! 👍💗🕊📖😇
Thank you, Roland. I wasn’t aware of Florence Nightingale’s struggles either. She’s one more example of how God turns pain into gain–for the person striving and for those within their sphere of influence. Florence’s sphere is still growing, as new generations learn her story!