God Never Calls In Sick
For the first time in several years, I have a cold. I’m too wired to sleep but too drowsy to do much else; I alternate between too hot and too cold. I don’t deal with illness well, just ask my wife.
My cold has thrown me off my routine, detracting from the daily rhythms I have with God. Although I know he’s as close as always, I don’t sense his presence; praying is a challenge.
What a wimp I am for letting a minor physical ailment affect my spiritual well-being. Though I may take a sick day or two, God never does.
Unlike me, some people grapple with life-threatening health issues, yet they stay on track spiritually.
I’ve also known people who struggled with the death of a loved one, a failed business, a wayward child, a significant financial setback, or long-term unemployment.
Like Job, in the Bible, their faith remains strong and may even grow. Some will later say they’re thankful for their ordeal because it brought them closer to God.
However, others encounter these same life trials and are quick to blame God. They turn their backs on him and abandon their faith. Their reaction is their undoing. God is still there for them, but they’re not willing to let him.
When life’s major issues assail me, I hope I’ll remain strong and respond like the first group of people, but the way I react to a cold, makes me wonder.
Fortunately for me, God never calls in sick, even when I do.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
Bogged Down Reading the Bible?
Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.