Philippians 4:5-7 NKJV — Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
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Christmas was just around the corner. Thanksgiving had just past and for the first time in 4 years things were looking up. My wife, daughter and I were on a journey that we knew would change our lives. Starting a new business, traveling or should I call it, commuting, from Charleston, South Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia on almost a bi-weekly basis was finally slowing down. The year was a good year. We had been involved in a year long Holy Ghost revival, lives were changed, people were saved and the new year was on the horizon. The light at the end of the tunnel was here but wouldn’t you know it, I caught a cold or something and I began to feel weak. Why now? Plans had been made to visit family for Christmas and New Years, this can’t be happening! What I was unaware of was how much my life was going to change.
Proverbs 18:14 NKJV — The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?
What I thought was the flu turned out to be something worse. After struggling to wake, I was driven to the hospital where I spent the rest of the day in the emergency room. I finally was able to go home but life had changed, I was diagnosed with a disease that I will probably never be able to shake. Type 2 diabetes, well, there goes the glaze donuts and the Dr. Peppers, but the reason why I’ve told you this is because there are many people whose lives have been changed by sickness or disease and feel like the walls are collapsing around them.
Psalm 18:2 NKJV — The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Where do we find the strength to fight and carry on? It’s amazing how some people can face adversity and live life with a purpose that only God can provide. Unfortunately, many feel abandoned, betrayed by their own bodies, alone with no hope and believing that God is punishing them with this disease because of some terrible sin that they may have done. All I can say is, “STOP!!” That is the furthest thing from the truth and a absolute lie from the devil. In the following 2 verses, God’s Holy Word tells us why Jesus died on the cross;
Isaiah 53:5 NKJV — But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
1 Peter 2:24 NKJV — who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
There are many reasons that cause diseases in our modern age, from cell phones to vapor trails, no one knows for sure. Doctors tell us what contributes to these illnesses; fast food, hot dogs, processed sugars and of course my favorite, too many Dr. Peppers. Ok, maybe the hot dogs are up for debate but we need to be aware of what Jesus said what would be happening in this age;
Luke 21:11 NKJV — “And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
The key word in the verse is, “pestilences,” so that means that everyone, saved and unsaved, are not immune from these illnesses. One thing for sure, it is a test of character. December 9, 1999 was a day of change for me. I was alone in the doctor’s office when I was officially told and I was devastated. How did this happen? Am I going to “buy the farm” soon? I felt betrayed. I did what most people do in that moment, I cried and it took me awhile before I could gather myself and drive home to give my family the news. I made up my mind that there was no way this was going to get me down. I put my trust in God and with the help of my family and from the Lord, the last 20 years have been challenging but also very rewarding.
Psalm 62:7-8 NKJV — In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
Putting your trust in Jesus is the bravest and safest thing a person can do. He will never forsake you and He is with you always. He gave us this promise and be reassured that this is true;
John 14:27 NKJV — “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Jesus loves you and desires for you be to whole. The road ahead is not easy but with support from your loved ones, fellowship with close friends and other followers of Christ, the days and nights will be a lot more manageable. Let the Holy Spirit encourage you;
John 14:12-18 NKJV — “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. “If you love Me, keep My commandments. “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
Every sickness or disease affects everyone differently but Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and His love for you is personal to Him. Go to Him, pray continuously and as a friend once told me, “Be relentless in seeking His promises in the Word of God and watch God do wonders!” I pray that you find the strength and the courage to trust the Lord in whatever battle you are facing. Keep your head up and know that God loves you. You are a miracle in progress!!
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