The Blessed Disease

The Blessed Disease

How can such an oxymoron exist. Surely Disease is either good or bad. I have never given this much thought other than to pray for healing each time a loved one is diagnosed with some mysterious sickness. I remember a sermon I heard once that told of a little lady that came to the minister with a headache. The church whispered a quite prayer not really giving it much thought. Then another person came with the diagnosis of cancer and requested prayer. The preacher cleared his throat and with a deep voice of concern said with great sincerity "Gather Round  Saints". When we pray we need to realize that to God cancer is no greater than having a headache. With a moving as a slow settling fog God can heal either of them the same. I believe God really does heal sometimes in response to a gentle whisper or a groan and sometimes to the deep heart felt throws of bitter moaning. Either way I know it is true that he is touched by the feelings of our infirmity. That means that he cares. To believe that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord is the source of trust and faith and hope. Of knowing that everything in his word really is true.  The Blessed Disease. Recently I myself was diagnosed with an Immune disorder in which I don't make enough immune cells to fight disease. They sent me to an infectious doctor and he told me that a simple cold could kill me. He recommended a treatment called IVIG to give me the immunity of others. It is a blood derivative so I agreed to the treatment. It made me horribly sick with a severe headache with which I could not lift my head off the pillow for days. I had a fever and severe nausea. I can not do this because I had to miss three days of work and felt like I would die. It was ordered monthly. I have been to church and prayed for about my problem. What to do? I have really been contemplating the absurdity  of trusting God for my healing. I know I know...what if he don't heal me but right now I am just thinking about what if he does and again I say He is touched by the feeling of our infirmity. So I think if he cares like his word said then maybe just maybe he will heal me. What if he does?

Thankful

Thankful

Today I am thankful. I teach Sunday School and it was so refreshing to see the kids reaching up with their hands outstretched toward heaven as they both worshiped and prayed. They were sincere and acting as leaders. I am so proud of them both where they have come from, and where they are going to. My heart is feeling Thankful. Michelle and Kylee....Pray on! 

What If ?

What If ?

What If ? What if I would do my best daily. What if I was thankful in all things like I should be. I am afraid I spend way too much time whining about the things I can't change. Things that do not matter anyway instead of being thankful for the things I should be acknowledging as important. Like how God in his infinite blessings once again just this week spared my Husbands life as he gasp for breath.

I found him just laying in the bathroom floor so out of breath. He was pale as a crisp white sheet and as cool. His breath came in wasp of deep deliberate inhalations. I looked at him with concern and ask what are you doing? He gazed at me and in a hushed voice that took way to much energy said I just could not make it back to my chair. Let me help you I said. As I took his arm and encouraged him to lean on me tears welled in my eyes but they were tears he would never see because at this time I will be brave. I took him to the hospital and was told he was in congestive heart failure. After a few days of treatment he is back home again and once again I am thankful for his life.   As I mull over these events I am reminded of how sometimes people are put in our lives for us to provide help. They are hurting, gasping within almost about to die spiritually. All they need is for us to offer to help them up and back to their chair. Back to that place where they can feel God one more time. They are sick spiritually and may be about to give up but need our prayers and our tears which they may never see. Our intercession that reaches heaven for others and grabs the attention once again of a God who cares deeply. He is just waiting for someone to call. Let it be me. Make me  more aware of my surrounding and the pain and needs of others. What If ? it is my voice he is waiting to hear. Speak Lord for I am listening.