Fighting a virus, especially the influenza virus, is something that I do not want to experience again. I can't remember the last time that I was so sick. When I first contracted the virus, it attacked me overnight. I woke up and could hardly breathe. Worried, I asked my husband to drive me to the hospital. I must have had a fever, because I couldn't keep warm. The waiting time in the emergency department seemed like an eternity, until finally, I heard my name being called by the attending nurse. I went for an X-ray on my chest, which revealed that I had contracted the influenza virus. I was given a prescription to be filled, and then I was sent home.

I just wanted to sleep, and drink ginger ale, and sleep some more, which I did for two solid days. This virus seemed to cling on for almost three weeks. It robbed me of my appetite and energy, and at times, I felt as if I were going to die.

During the two weeks of not feeling up to par, my writing was put on the back burner. I had no desire to pray, read my Bible, check my e-mails, or read a novel. I had literally no desire to do anything at all. All I wanted to do was sit in my recliner, curled up in a blanket, and let the television entertain me.

During this time of sickness, I knew that God was with me. He was with me on the ride to the hospital. He was with me when the technician took an X-ray. He was with me as I slept, and at the end, He healed me. Even though I couldn't pray, I knew that friends were upholding me with their prayers.

James 5:15-16 – The prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (NASB)

During the current flu season, let us be on the lookout for sick people whom we can uphold in prayer.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for being with us when we are sick. We thank You for doctors, nurses, and X-ray technicians. We thank You for medical research teams and for their discoveries. Sometimes, You heal us and sometimes, in Your omnipotence, You decide to call Your beloved children home. We thank You for friends who uphold us in prayer. Enable us to do the same for them. Help us to trust You in all things. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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