When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4
I spent the last 5 and a half weeks in hospital when my lungs collapsed followed by a hemorrhage. I met a lot of people while in hospital, from patients, to nurses, doctors, and other families. There were so many sick people in the hospital. Some families had to make difficult decisions. My heart cried to the Lord for these people despite my own situation. However, my timing at the hospital was God ordained as my case was presented at a Rheumatologists' conference in Vancouver. The consensus at the conference was that I should be given a Plasma Pheresis treatment which had never been done before on anybody in my condition. This treatment would typically cost $100,000s. My husband and I agreed to the treatment as the benefits outweighed the risks hence my extended stay in hospital. The treatment went well and I feel physically and mentally better. It is anticipated that my lungs would fully recover in 6 to 8 months.
The time spent in hospital was very trying for family and friends. Many people were afraid I might die because of how bad my lungs were. However, the promise is that this sickness is not unto death. This promise does not mean the road would be easy. There were times when I was literally in the valley of the shadow of death and there were times when all I saw was a host of Heavenly saints dressed as choirs singing praises and glory to the King. The entire experience was very mixed. It was a path that I had to tread. Thankfully, God will not allow us to be tried beyond what we can cope with and He promises to deliver us from all our afflictions.
I am grateful for those who were praying for me and my recovery. I am also grateful for the healthcare system and everything it had to offer me, from physicians, to nurses, to treatment, to drugs. I am grateful for all those who helped my children with acts of kindness and love when I was not there. I am also grateful for those who planted my gardens and continued to help my family while I recover from home. By faith, I continue to take hold of the life Christ died so I could have.
Psalm 34: 18 - 20
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Colossian 3:2-4
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
