It has been quite a while since I have blogged. Almost two months ago, to be exact, as I have been fighting off a very wicked pneumonia. It surely hasn't been fun.
On top of that, I, silly I, went to a minute clinic (after almost a week with a fever) and was told I simply had a cold. Never having pneumonia, I had no idea a week with a fever and a cough is not normal. Never having pneumonia, I had no idea a chest x-ray was warranted when presenting with my symptoms.
I trusted the doctor, or in this case, the nurse practitioner at the minute clinic to guide me in the right direction. After three more days of herbal teas and the other home remedies she had advised, I was unable to hardly move, much less function. My body was completely depleted, I was exhausted and my poor heart was beating 136 beats per minute when I sought out the urgent care doctor. I was finally given that chest x-ray, the right diagnosis, and antibiotics to help me overcome. I had pneumonia!
The battle was on. With the right battle gear, my body began to fight off thee infection. While I currently am still overcoming the residual symptoms of this wicked pneumonia, overall, I am on my way to being well. Returning for my follow up x-ray, I had been told my lungs are almost clear! How grateful I am for that news.
So, why did I go a minute clinic, of all places, I'm sure your wondering? Well, because I was far away from home and had no idea how truly sick I was. I wanted some immediate relief from the illness I had been experiencing, and fast. I tell this story because while I've been down and out, it occurred to me I do this with God too. Perhaps maybe you have too?
Lets ask ourselves:
How many times have we had a problem in our lives, marriages, hearts, circumstances, whatever and hurriedly ran to the quickest solution, the most convenient answer, or the easy way out? Or so we thought! Only to end up with an ever bigger problem then before.
I know I have. Quickly responded to an off-handed comment before praying, hurriedly ran to that happy hour after work to blow off some steam, cuddled up in that blanket with comfort foods for some instant relief, or worse, the wrong person's arms. Bought that next, fancy purchase or gadget we truly didn't need while our budget had already burst a long time ago placing ourselves in further debt beyond repayment! We all do some of this and so much more. Like.....getting entangled in a sin that seemed so inviting at first or a habit that started innocently out of curiosity or a desire to fit in.
Then, fast forward:
Down the road some time later and that original problem, yikes, it's still there. Oh, and did I mention, so are the other bad habits and strongholds we gathered along the way thinking they would make us feel better. That shopping addiction, thee emotional affair we never saw coming, those daily 3-4 drinks that used to be a glass of wine or two at happy hour each week. Thee extra pounds from all those late night comfort eats and the closets full of clothes we rarely wear or gadgets we hardly use.
Meanwhile, the God of the universe is patiently waiting and whispering, "I am here. Come to me all you who weary and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is EASY and my burden is LIGHT". Matthew 11: 28-30 NIV
So, you see, my initial illness now lingers. I am convinced it might not have become full-blown pneumonia had I gone to the expert first or sooner! Same with God. I am also convinced many of our problems, addictions, hang-ups, bad habits, divisions, discords, strongholds and other sin patterns wo
uld not exist had we gone to the source first or sooner!
So, as we ring in 2019 with all its promise for newness of life and the fresh start it brings, my prayer is simply this:
May we go to the source of all things first and swiftly. May we watch and wait and trust God to make ALL things new. May we turn to the source of all life, God himself. May God bless us with his presence in this new year and all the days to come into eternity. Finally, may we live lives that are pleasing to and glorify him now and forevermore.
Oh, and should you wonder how to do that, get in God's presence or secure eternity, feel free to reach out to us. We would be glad to speak to you further! Meanwhile, "may God bless you and keep you, may he make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may God turn his face toward you and give you his peace." Numbers 6 24-26 NIV
Wow.. How awesomely true this is! Amen!