I am recovering right now
As I write this, I'm hopefully on the mend after fighting a nasty bout of the flu. However, this flu brought along some additional illnesses that I've had to contend with as well. 
Fever-Induced Forgetfulness
When you have a fever, you tend to do some silly things. For example, I've been writing down my medication times on a dry erase board on the fridge. But then I'll get out of bed to check what's next for medicine, only to be hit with a coughing fit or forget why I even went into the kitchen in the first place! The delirium is real.Blogging Through Sickness
Despite feeling awful, I'm experiencing blogging withdrawal and feel compelled to share an update from this delirious dimension I've been inhabiting. Of course, being sick also has me pondering a few things:The Cost of Free Healthcare
Part of me wishes healthcare was free for all. But that's a loaded issue – how can healthcare truly be free when someone has to pay for it? If it comes out of the tax base, then it's not free at all.The Church's Role in Caring for the Sick
Scripture instructs us to care for those who are sick, especially fellow believers (Galatians 6:10, Matthew 25:39, James 5:14). Yet nowadays, people would rather avoid the sick than obey these biblical principles out of fear of germs. Jesus calls for His church to embody true compassion.Taking Communion While Sick
At one point, I wondered if being sick meant I had taken communion in an "unworthy manner" (1 Corinthians 11:27). However, I regularly pray before meals and repent of my sins when convicted. Ultimately, I don't believe being sick automatically makes one "unworthy" before God.Sickness and Christianity
Some mistakenly claim that true Christians never get sick. Yet Scripture provides examples of believers like Trophimus and Epaphroditus who became ill (2 Timothy 4:20, Philippians 2:25-27). If sickness was just a matter of lacking faith, why didn't Paul simply heal them? Clearly, sickness can afflict Christians too.The Purpose of Sickness
Romans 8:28 tells us that ALL things work together for the good of those who love God. I believe sickness fits into that "all things" category as well. Perhaps sickness serves a divine purpose at times – which could explain why Paul says he glories in his weaknesses so that Christ's power rests upon him (2 Corinthians 12:9).My current illness has prompted me to re-examine my life and priorities through a spiritual lens. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, I'm striving to use this time to grow closer to God and align with His vision for me. When we face trials, we can allow our mess to become our message and testimony.
I'm choosing not to waste this opportunity for spiritual growth. Even when we're sick, Christians can still experience the refining work of our Lord.
Oh, you have to be sick to forget why you walked in the kitchen?? man, I must have one of those prolonged chronic illnesses!!! LOL!!
ReplyDeleteUm...yeah free healthcare is tax based. Unless you are unemployed...then it's totally free. No worries, the guy down the road pays his taxes LOL! I gotta say though, I do prefer this kind of healthcare system. It's kind of like insurance when you don't have insurance and somehow it doesn't hurt as much!
Oh Paul's thorn in the flesh...that was kind of like having an illness huh?
Get better soon bro....stay out of the kitchen...it's a lot less complicated that way!
Penelope
xoxox
Hi Conrad,
ReplyDeleteYour post raises the age-old question--Why doesn't God heal everyone? I've pondered it many times, and have come to the conclusion His ways are above our ways. Even still, He doesn't leave us in total darkness concerning these matters. We testify to His greatness by the way we react to different situations. Some of the most admirable Christians I know struggle with severe, continuous pain, yet have the sweetest, uplifting spirits about them. I don't understand how God is blessing them, but I know I've been blessed through them. And I've been blessed through your blogs. Thanks for your insight and obedience to our LORD, Jesus Christ.
Brenda K. Hendricks
Penelope! thanks for the reply! are you underwater?
ReplyDeleteTHe thorn in the flesh is a messenger of satan, but Paul uses the GK for infirmities. That is why i thought it was an appropriate reference. But gimme some grace!
Does everyone in Australia prefer the 'free' healthcare? How is the quality?
I hope things are well with you!
Brenda!
Thanks for your reply!
It's fairly obvious God doesn't heal everyone. I just remember some people saying that Christians don't get sick a long time ago. And then I read a book by Marie Woodworth Etter. She insisted that God heals everyone by faith and that medicine wasn't neccesary.
I have wrestled with her teachings. I must admit she had an amazing ministry. Her arguments have not settled in my mind yet.
God bless! and thanks for the replies!
Great blog bro, and look what the "flu" brought out of you, (lol). Hope your feeling better. I know this question raises much eyebrows. It's like the 3 boys thrown into the fire in Daniel ch 3, they said even though God didn't save them, he will not bow down to King Neb (not sure how to spell it) Job said "the Lord gives and the Lord takes. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
ReplyDelete