God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble...or sick

Remember when I said in my last post, "it felt like medicine head"? Well, little did I know that was just the beginning of a week long battle of the flu.

Nick and I toughened out the remainder of Sunday by finishing out the services, going to lunch, then coming back to the church for handbell practice that afternoon. Thankfully, when it ended we were both free to return home and do whatever possible to get me well fast.

It's funny to trust your own instincts when really, you're not the one in control. God is. What I mean by that is He led me through a week of learning to trust Him in, what I deemed, an unfamiliar area. I was working too hard with the goal of "I have to get well. I have to get better now!" I wouldn't let go of how sick I was, and give my illness to God. I had to hold on to it; like it was my treasure.

I know what you're probably thinking (or even saying/shouting at your computer), "the sickness was your treasure!?"

Well, I treated it like it was. The thing is, how many times in life do we desire to control something that wants to control us?

You know what that's called? Opposition to authority. Not the flu's authority, but the Almighty and Everlasting authority of God. His authority always was, always is, and will forever be reigning above all. It's high time I realized that truth in even something as seemingly minute as the flu.

One thing I didn't forget to do during this whole week, was thank God that it wasn't the stomach flu.

The beauty of this illness is that it has been musical. It began late Saturday while Nick and I were with B2 (2nd floor, Baker Hall on HU's campus) watching football. We couldn't even finish the game. The illness crescendoed throughout the next few days, and either Tuesday or Wednesday night was the climax. At that point, I hadn't slept in three days or so and had a breakdown. I felt like I was trying my best to get well, but "my best" just wasn't cutting it.

Nick encouraged me. We prayed together and talked about how to help me sleep. Thankfully, the next time I had to lay down, I got 5 hours. Praise God! It was then that I started feeling His healing.

As this illness decrescendos and makes its way out of my body, I notice how long it took. A week. But this girl's not weaker because of it. She's stronger because of the lesson that was learned through God's intervention. That intervention brought not only a healed body, but a healed heart, soul, and mind with renewed strength.

And... He gave me just enough time to heal. Just before the next Sunday's services.

I have gotten wind that a lot of people are sick right now. If you're ill, I pray that God intervenes in your body, and heals you. But not that He heals just your body. I pray that He heals and renews your mind, heart, and soul while giving you strength for what's yet to come.

blessings,

Bethany