My Covid-19 saga began in early January. I can only speculate as to where I contracted the virus, given that, according to medical experts, being asymptomatic, one can still be a carrier, and therefore contagious. Like many in this country, I don't have health insurance, therefore a visit to the doctor's office or hospital stay were not among my first options. But, there was a balm in Gilead. I am not suggesting this medication for everyone, one size doesn't necessarily fit all; nor do I have any conflict of interest in this corporation. I am simply sharing my experience, and what worked for me. If I can help someone along this journey, particularly those who are the least among us, then my living has not been in vain. The balm in Gilead which God provided to me was Bayer Coricidin HBP Cold & Flu.
During the first week, at the onset of what I now know was Covid-19, I was under the assumption that I was only suffering from a common cold, or possibly a mild flu. Week two, however, would prove my illness to be, what I not so lovingly refer to as, "The Beast." I woke up one morning with a nasty fever, which refused to subside under the usual remedies. Because I also have underlying health issues, my go to cold & flu medications, not only failed to work, but exasperated my condition. My symptoms developed into a relentless pounding headache; clogged ears; blurred vision; difficulty breathing; excruciating pain in my chest whenever I labored to cough, which was constantly; and a very loud, accelerated heartbeat. It was 24/7 misery; but perhaps the strangest, most inexplicable symptom, occurred only at night. In the late night hours, for no apparent reason, I would cry, weep; not because of pain or discomfort, not even because I thought I might die, I was at peace with that outcome, if it were God's will, tears would simply overtake me . . . I can only describe it now as delirium. I was so weak from the constant barrage of symptoms that all I wanted to do was sleep, but "The Beast" forbade it. On the rare occasion when I did manage to fall asleep, from sheer exhaustion, there was no rest. Because this all happened prior to the revelation of Covid-19, and certainly before it had morphed into a pandemic, after existing in a zombie like state for days, I resolved to the self diagnosis of "walking pneumonia;" it was not walking pneumonia, it was "The Beast," Covid-19. I was literally at death's door . . .
Said NO!
Though I try to maintain a consistent prayer life, there is something about coming face to face with ones' own mortality that drives you to your knees in a much deeper way. When I determined that death was not what God had promised for my life, in that moment, and I realized that, in spite of that truth, "The Beast" was trying to take me outta here, I decided that if death were to somehow prevail, it would have drag me out in a posture of prayer. I got angry! I was like, "LET'S DO THIS!!!" First, I reminded myself that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" and that "the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much." Then, I spoke directly to "The Beast" through Isaiah 53:5 & 54:17; that was in the morning, by afternoon God had placed Coricidin HBP on my mind. That night I slept like a baby. The next morning, I felt like I could run a marathon. I had no side effects and have suffered no relapse. So, in the aftermath of all that, what may have seemed like foolishness to some, when I posted a happy birthday message to myself, seemingly going off the rails "speaking in tongues," was simply me exerting my right to praise Him for bringing me through Covid-19, the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.
Even though Jesus isn't with us in the physical to prepare a salve of dirt and spit, He often answers our prayers for healing through the tangible resources of scientists, medical professionals, and the medications they develop and administer. Howbeit, we must be vigilant in keeping the faith. I realize that many of you have lost loved ones to this very real disease, and in sadness and perhaps even anger, may be wondering why God would allow such loss of life. And while I know that few words can offer solace in the mist of your pain, allow me to suggest to you, from the book of Isaiah, this possible word of explanation and perhaps even comfort: Isaiah 57:1 (NLT) Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come.
The church must stop chasing people out because some leaders, being slothful, neglect to lift the scroll to their mouths to verify, choose to oppose the message; then turn around and accuse the outcasts of forsaking the assembly (does God not know?). For then, God will likewise allow you, with the measure by which you measure, to be chased from your church, that you might take "time out," not only to, emerge from your respective quarters, to commune with Him, but also to, as scripture advises, "Consider thine own ways." Certainly discernment is a must in receiving from any messenger, but because we do not know God's mind nor do we understand His strategies, it is not for us to decide God's purpose for another's life nor ministry. The same is also true for a nation. Must God allow us to be exiled from our nation because we continue to tolerate the unrepentant, Jezebel spirit of hatred, dishonesty, and division at the highest levels of leadership? You cannot manipulated God - God is not mocked. Having the mind of Christ, we must operate in truth and love, whereby together, we stand firm against oppression, injustice, and division: for "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against itself falls."
Recommended Reading: Ezekiel 12; Ezekiel 34
"THE BEAST"
During the first week, at the onset of what I now know was Covid-19, I was under the assumption that I was only suffering from a common cold, or possibly a mild flu. Week two, however, would prove my illness to be, what I not so lovingly refer to as, "The Beast." I woke up one morning with a nasty fever, which refused to subside under the usual remedies. Because I also have underlying health issues, my go to cold & flu medications, not only failed to work, but exasperated my condition. My symptoms developed into a relentless pounding headache; clogged ears; blurred vision; difficulty breathing; excruciating pain in my chest whenever I labored to cough, which was constantly; and a very loud, accelerated heartbeat. It was 24/7 misery; but perhaps the strangest, most inexplicable symptom, occurred only at night. In the late night hours, for no apparent reason, I would cry, weep; not because of pain or discomfort, not even because I thought I might die, I was at peace with that outcome, if it were God's will, tears would simply overtake me . . . I can only describe it now as delirium. I was so weak from the constant barrage of symptoms that all I wanted to do was sleep, but "The Beast" forbade it. On the rare occasion when I did manage to fall asleep, from sheer exhaustion, there was no rest. Because this all happened prior to the revelation of Covid-19, and certainly before it had morphed into a pandemic, after existing in a zombie like state for days, I resolved to the self diagnosis of "walking pneumonia;" it was not walking pneumonia, it was "The Beast," Covid-19. I was literally at death's door . . .
BUT GOD
Said NO!
Though I try to maintain a consistent prayer life, there is something about coming face to face with ones' own mortality that drives you to your knees in a much deeper way. When I determined that death was not what God had promised for my life, in that moment, and I realized that, in spite of that truth, "The Beast" was trying to take me outta here, I decided that if death were to somehow prevail, it would have drag me out in a posture of prayer. I got angry! I was like, "LET'S DO THIS!!!" First, I reminded myself that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" and that "the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much." Then, I spoke directly to "The Beast" through Isaiah 53:5 & 54:17; that was in the morning, by afternoon God had placed Coricidin HBP on my mind. That night I slept like a baby. The next morning, I felt like I could run a marathon. I had no side effects and have suffered no relapse. So, in the aftermath of all that, what may have seemed like foolishness to some, when I posted a happy birthday message to myself, seemingly going off the rails "speaking in tongues," was simply me exerting my right to praise Him for bringing me through Covid-19, the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.
Even though Jesus isn't with us in the physical to prepare a salve of dirt and spit, He often answers our prayers for healing through the tangible resources of scientists, medical professionals, and the medications they develop and administer. Howbeit, we must be vigilant in keeping the faith. I realize that many of you have lost loved ones to this very real disease, and in sadness and perhaps even anger, may be wondering why God would allow such loss of life. And while I know that few words can offer solace in the mist of your pain, allow me to suggest to you, from the book of Isaiah, this possible word of explanation and perhaps even comfort: Isaiah 57:1 (NLT) Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come.
AS THE CHURCH GOES
"I have set you as a sign unto the House of Israel"
(Israel is synonymous with church and nation)
I do not believe that this virus was intended for evil by God, because God does no evil, howbeit He allows that which is intended for evil at man's manipulative hands, to persist for as season to ultimately bring about good of His people. Whether it is to expose the wicked, or to bring His people back into right relationship with Him, or to showcase His power thorough His people, or simply as a symbolic warning of what is yet to come; God's strategy, though mysterious to us, always brings His Word to pass. We must simply heed. When I think about the unanticipated ripple effects of this pandemic, both in the nation and the church, I can't help but acknowledge its' irony. Oftentimes we get so caught up in going and doing and "prospering?" that we start to criticize others for not being as "busy." But sometimes God just wants us to be still and know. It's not the church's responsibility to determine what someone else's purpose, process, or season is."I have set you as a sign unto the House of Israel"
(Israel is synonymous with church and nation)
The church must stop chasing people out because some leaders, being slothful, neglect to lift the scroll to their mouths to verify, choose to oppose the message; then turn around and accuse the outcasts of forsaking the assembly (does God not know?). For then, God will likewise allow you, with the measure by which you measure, to be chased from your church, that you might take "time out," not only to, emerge from your respective quarters, to commune with Him, but also to, as scripture advises, "Consider thine own ways." Certainly discernment is a must in receiving from any messenger, but because we do not know God's mind nor do we understand His strategies, it is not for us to decide God's purpose for another's life nor ministry. The same is also true for a nation. Must God allow us to be exiled from our nation because we continue to tolerate the unrepentant, Jezebel spirit of hatred, dishonesty, and division at the highest levels of leadership? You cannot manipulated God - God is not mocked. Having the mind of Christ, we must operate in truth and love, whereby together, we stand firm against oppression, injustice, and division: for "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against itself falls."
"Blessed are those who hear the Word and keep it!"
Recommended Reading: Ezekiel 12; Ezekiel 34
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