sick in bed

Unfortunately, even though I had seven different shot vaccinations before I left, have a months prescription of Malaria pills, and was being very cautious to only drink bottled water…I got sick. Two different days I had to go back early and rest my body. I needed time to let my body pass the sickness and get some extra sleep hoping to regain my strength. I was not happy about this! Here I was on the other side of the world, counting each day as an investment, and I was sick in bed! Not only did I want to be curled up in my own bed back in Virginia, I wanted answers! What did I eat or drink or do to get sick? Why would God allow only me to be sick-and why now? I felt like the weakest link in our team and emotionally defeated. I thought I had taken every precaution.

But God had other plans. Maybe God was trying to teach me…

- To slow down, relax and take in everything that’s going on around me rather than be such a busybody.

- He alone has ultimate control of my body; even though I mentally prepared and took significant financial precautions, God is my creator.

-To open up and share more, rather than remain self-sufficient and independent, maybe God wanted me to ask for help…something I have a hard time doing.

The second day I was sick I was upset and angry why this would happen. I went ahead and read the Psalm of the day hoping for some comfort. Why should I be surprised God’s Word would still speak to me, straight to my need? These verses greatly encouraged my heart that day.

Psalm 9

1-“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

2-I will be glad and exult you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

9-The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

10-And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

11-Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds!”

Prayers were answered-I was healed! God used my weakness to draw the team close in prayer, not only for healing of my body, but for protection of the whole team. While resting alone, I was reminded how easy I have it in America to see a doctor, get medicine and feel relief relatively quickly. In Ethiopia that simplicity would be a dream. Hospitals are overcrowded, doctors are scarce and medicine is extremely expensive if you can find it and have money to afford it.