Embracing the Wilderness: A Christian’s Response to Illness

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” – Matthew 4:1 (NIV)

I wasn’t sure if I was feeling bad, if it was the emotion of a friend’s death, or if I was just mad that the sushi bar was taking an hour to get out the orders. I was glad that the server told me that up front before placing an order, opting instead for a Beef Tataki appetizer and a combination seafood plate. Anyway, the longer I sat there the worse I began to feel, gradually recognizing the telltale signs of Bradycardia, my heart dropping below 60 beats a minute. Now, you have to understand that I grew up hearing the words “it’s tacky to be sick” repeatedly in my childhood. And I suppose that became my tough-guy mantra. Just gut it out, so I didn’t say anything. I was surreptitiously checking my EKG on my watch when the walls began to close in and my eyes grew dim. I knew what was about to happen and Cathy and Ben noticed something was up and she said ‘are you alright’ to which I managed to say, ‘I think I’m about to pass out.’ Anyway, I won’t bore you with all the details. I recovered (a bit) and we continued to eat our dinner (at least they did) but in a few minutes it happened again. I wanted to get up and go to the bathroom, but I heard my cardiologist’s words ringing in my ears – “If you can feel it happening, DO NOT STAND UP.” So I resisted that urge (there’s a story there about passing out in a bathroom stall at the Royal Theater in London during the intermission of Les Miserables but I’ll save that for another day) and after blacking out I came to and we came on home.

I went straight to bed and slept fitfully, tossing and turning, checking my EKG, and resisting the urge to get up lest I fall out in the floor. As I lay there I just kept thinking about illness, stubbornness, and trusting God. It seemed that the Lord was saying something to me during this Lenten season that he wanted me to share. So, here we go.

In the vast expanse of the Judean wilderness, Jesus faced a profound and transformative period of testing. Similarly, as Christians, we encounter desolate moments when illness invades our lives, pushing us into an arduous journey. And I should note that my Bradycardia/passing out/Afib condition is a long-running one that I tried for far to long to ignore and/or deal with by myself. In reflecting upon Jesus’ time in the desert, we find guidance on navigating the wilderness of illness and other challenges with faith and resilience.

1. Solitude and Reflection: Just as Jesus withdrew to the wilderness, illness often leads us into a solitary place. In these moments, embrace the solitude not as abandonment but as an opportunity for profound reflection. Use this time to draw nearer to God through prayer and meditation, seeking His presence and guidance.Scripture: “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16 (NIV)
2. Spiritual Warfare: The devil tempted Jesus with worldly pleasures in the wilderness. Similarly, during illness, we may face the temptations of doubt, fear, and resentment. Recognize that these are spiritual battles and equip yourself with the armor of faith. Lean on the promises of God to withstand the assaults on your spirit.Scripture: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7 (NIV)
3. Dependence on God’s Word: Jesus countered the devil’s temptations with the Word of God. In the wilderness of illness, immerse yourself in Scripture. Allow the promises and teachings of the Bible to be a source of comfort, strength, and hope. Let God’s Word be a light in the darkness, guiding you through the challenges.Scripture: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
4. Surrender and Trust: Jesus demonstrated complete surrender to God’s will in the desert. Similarly, during illness, surrender your anxieties and fears to God. Trust that His plan is perfect, even when it seems mysterious. Embrace the wilderness as an opportunity to deepen your trust in God’s sovereignty and love.Scripture: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

Whether you are facing an illness yourself or that of a loved one, or some other challenge that is seemingly too hard to bear, I pray that as you navigate this Lenten season you will find solace in the example set by Jesus in the desert. Embrace solitude for reflection, engage in spiritual warfare with faith, depend on God’s Word, and surrender to His will with unwavering trust. In doing so, you will discover that even in the most desolate places, God’s grace is sufficient to sustain you.

Be blessed today my friends! Have a great weekend and if you’re looking for a church this Sunday join us at Moore Memorial Methodist Church or Bethlehem Methodist Church in Winona, MS. And remember, God loves you and so do I.