When we last spent time together, I began to tell you a bit of what has been going on in my life lately. Most of what I shared was good, very good. I am richly blessed. But not all was good. I am afraid that because of the good and also due, in part, to my own lacking prayer life; I became the target of Satan’s attention and thus fell victim to some of his provocations and vexations. Satan’s attacks are obviously a clear and present danger today. They are growing more prevalent by the hour.
I believe that the Evil One takes particular pride in causing trouble for those who belong to God. If the Devil owns your soul, why need he bother to hinder you or cause you misery? He does not need to test the depth of your faith. However, it his very nature to sow doubt in the minds of Christians. The Devil is crafty and sly. He has been tempting man and plying his slick skills since the Garden. I believe Satan doubles his efforts to distract or cause trouble for those of strong faith, especially those who are doing the work that God has given us to do. We are taking away souls to whom he lays claim, helping them to choose Good over Evil. To choose Christ and be saved.
A Blip on Satan’s Radar
Last time I wrote about the successes I believe that I was having in the name of our God. I was careful not to claim any of the glory for myself. I am guarded
to boast in God alone. I am pretty sure that God has not been taking me down a peg or two due to my own pride. All that I need, is to know that I glorify God. I am driven to use the gifts that He has given me for His glory. I am guilty, however, of dropping my guard. I was lax in my praying for God’s protection from the Evil One’s ministrations and I believe he wanted to be a speed bump in the road of my ministry.
The Attacks Begin
The first obstacle and distraction took place as my blood sugar took a serious plunge. As a diabetic (type 2) I watch my numbers carefully and have my levels 
under control. Out of the blue, my blood sugar readings at midday started regularly hitting the very low 60s and down in the 50s. I started being dizzy and disoriented, my vision blurred and I got very jittery, nearly like a palsy. I panicked, my wife panicked, even my endocrinologist panicked. With warnings of potential diabetic comas and the like, I was schooled in emergency measures to take and I now carry a special kit in case I pass out due to dropping blood sugar levels.
And the Hits Just Keep on Coming…
As if this was not enough to bench me, there would be a second and third attack to take me out of action for a while. I began to cough and have labored breathing. After going to the doctor, I found out that I had walking pneumonia. I was given a prescription and sent home to rest. After a week I realized that I was not getting better, in fact, was getting worse.
After returning to the doctor., having five vials of blood drawn and a series of chest x-rays; I found out that I had full blown pneumonia. Fluid in both lungs. I was prescribed more antibiotics, steroids, two types of cough medicine and again sent back home to rest and get better. At least I was not hospitalized as well. I was, however, cut off from all of you. Silenced in my mission, but not in my prayers.
Faith Wins, Every Time
I am now back to work, building up to a full day.
Pneumonia saps your strength and leaves you with no energy. I am told that I should expect to take about a month to fully recover. I realize now why so many of our older folks die from having pneumonia. Whether from having too much pride or from not girding myself from evil, the Devil stopped me in my tracks. But no more! God protected me, after all. Get thee behind me Satan! Be gone. You hold no power over me, for I belong to God Almighty! By the Power of the Holy Spirit, I will continue my Commission!
