Health Issues and Serving God

By Dave Smith

Whether we like it or not, things change cruising into and through the Sage-age zone. It's time to start looking at retirement, what that will look like, and how it will work once it comes.

Financial needs must be addressed, sure, maybe condensing living space, too. But in all of those standard preparations, sudden health issues can disrupt that timeline snatching away mental and physical abilities, and leaving you wondering how to serve God in your current condition.

In 2017, I had double bypass open heart surgery. Recovery typically takes about two months, but my breathing would not come back to normal. Recovery dragged on and on. I realized my return to pastoral ministry may never come, but I struggled to get the picture.

We moved to Missouri, hoping a change in altitude would help me breathe easier. We joined the church where my mentor and friend was co-pastor looking for some familiarity to help get me back into doing what I’d always done for God. But that didn’t happen. I got sicker. I developed pneumonia several times, landing in the hospital enough that they knew me by name when I was readmitted later. I normally love that kind of situation, but not in a hospital!

I admit, embarrassingly, that I had quit thinking of ever being involved in any ministry or helping at church in any capacity. I moped a lot during those long chunks of time when I was simply lying there, not improving. But I did talk to Jesus. I would like to say it was a wonderful time of two-way illuminated discussion with the creator of all things. It was not. I talked, He did not reply. I was, shall we say, put off.

Then, on the most miserable night I had, something changed. It felt darker than ever, even with the glowing monitors, and the TV screen showing men hunting huge deer. I felt it was the end for me. That I was going to die that night. I missed my wife tremendously at that moment. And I missed my God.

“Where are you, Jesus? Why don’t you answer me? Why don’t you talk to me? What have I done?” I called out to an empty room.

“I am here. I have always been here,” was His reply.

I thought it was a breakthrough, and He would give me words of wisdom and direction. But, nope. It went back to radio silence on the Holy Ghost frequency. However, those few words changed everything. It bolstered something that was missing in recent spiritual life. It restored my faith. Faith that God knew where I was, and what I was going through. Faith that as impossible as any recovery seemed, Matthew 19:26 was still true and all things are possible with God. Faith in what got me to this point, and faith that since He was still with me, He still had a plan for me.

I have not received healing from my several health issues, but communication is open. They still bring me daily struggles, showing me things won’t be the same in my present walk with the Lord as they were in the past. Let me break down how I continue to serve Him through faith.

First, with all the challenges and curveballs that come with various health-related issues, simple faith is most important. The faith that He is never going to leave you nor forsake you, as we are assured many times in both testaments, provides an extra measure of strength like nothing else. When I lock into this fact, I connect with my belief that God’s Word is true. It’s like tying into something stronger making sure my central spiritual structure is as solid as (you saw this coming) a rock. It’s a deep comfort knowing God - the One who created everything - sticks closer to me than a brother.

Next comes faith in the process. It’s the faith in what got me here. Faith in prayer without ceasing, and that intimate relationship with our creator is not only possible but that it avails much (James 5:16 KJV). Faith that Bible reading is taking in spiritual sustenance. Faith that fasting brings clarity. Faith that God uses those who make themselves available to Him. Like when you wake up late at night, a name comes to your mind, and you pray for that person. Or you attend church regularly, go to the prayer room before services, and the Pastor asks you to lead songs or preach a message. Don’t let health situations throw you out of what you know to do.

Then there is the faith that God has something for you to do. We call it a plan for your life. Just because you don’t have a preaching ministry doesn’t mean God doesn’t have a plan for you. This applies to those who are aging well and don’t have health issues, as well as to those who are like me. Romans 11:29 is pretty clear in teaching “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” If you ever believed God gifted you, or that He called you, He still has and is. It is without repentance, which means He is not going back on it. No takebacks, as we used to say. He didn’t change His mind, nor does he feel sorry about what He has given you to use. It’s all for blessing His kingdom. Have faith that our God has a plan for you and that the situation you are currently in is part of it.

If you have faith in God, faith in what brought you to this point, and faith that he still has things for you to do for Him, you will get through the frustrating challenges of health and aging issues and be a blessing to God’s people. You will also rekindle a deep joy only found in service to Him.