As I mentioned in my previous blog I've not felt well for the past several months. I'm happy to say after much poking, prodding and testing the doctors (I believe) have discovered the source of the problem. While the doctors are still looking at the possibility of an infectious disease, the consensus seems to be that I have something called Thyroiditis. While the thyroid is relatively small, it controls your metabolism, body temperature and a number of other body functions. As difficult as this illness has been I feel like I've learned a lot. I've learned for example about the complexity of the human body. I've learned to be more appreciative of my health and my need to take better care of this one and only body. While I don't think God made me sick I do think he allowed it. He allowed it (in part) I believe to remind me to slow down. We weren't designed to go nonstop (as I'm prone to do). When we don't make time to rest, our bodies will make us make time to rest! So while I'm not thankful for my sicknes, I'm thankful for what God is teaching me i.e. that I'm not a human doing, but in reality a human being.      

It seems as if that whenever I start a series almost inevitably I end up being tested in the subject area I’m speaking on. If I preach on family, I can expect to be tested in that area. If I preach on health, children, whatever, that seems to be the area that I end up being tested in.

I suppose I should’ve known that when I started the Fearless series, some issue would present itself. Sure enough, as some of you know, I’ve come down with some as of yet undiagnosed physical problems. While I don’t think they’re that serious, ANY physical problem can be disconcerting.

Of course the whole thing begs the question. Is it a coincidence that these issues occur in tandom with these series or am I unwittingly manufacturing the problems myself or is it the Holy Spirit nudging me to do a specific series, then using the series as a way of helping me through the issue?

The truth is I’m not entirely sure what it is. What I do know is that every time I preach a specific series, God is giving me an opportunity to trust him. Of course, I also know that no matter what the issue is, I can learn from it (Romans 8:28) and I know that He’s promised to never leave me or forsake me!