5 & 6 October 2024 (Pastoral Page) HOW LONG, O LORD?

By Asst Ps Timothy Lee

That was my cry for the past few months as I've been struggling with my health since the start of the year. It all started in January with a slight cough that gradually worsened to a non-stop productive cough. This persistent cough made it difficult for me to sleep at night and lasted for almost 4 months. I also experienced frequent fevers and despite being on medication, I didn't see much improvement.

As a result, I became weaker and even struggled to walk short distances. This period was not just challenging physically, but emotionally; I felt depressed and anxious. It placed a strain on my family, especially my wife, who had to take on new responsibilities like driving our children to school and church after not driving for over 10 years. I was not able to interact with my children much either. It was tough for all of us, and we all felt isolated.

Work was challenging too. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a heightened fear of coughing in public spaces. I was mindful of that in the worship services and often stayed on the fringes. I was uncomfortable meeting people as well.

As the months went by, I felt very weary. But thanks be to God for His mercy and timely intervention. Eventually, a doctor diagnosed me to have a reflux issue and gave me medication for gastric, which reduced my cough, and I slowly got better.

Here are some reflections I would like to share, especially as an encouragement to those going through health challenges.

Have Faith, God is love

Knowing that God's love is unchanging, I press on in faith. Drawing strength from past experiences where God guided me through various challenges, and leaning on the promises in the Bible, I am reassured that God will never abandon or forsake me, even if He calls me home. In the darkest moments, I find solace in the belief that He walks with me, and I take comfort in the truth that His love is unconditional and everlasting. Even though at times it is challenging to concentrate on reading God’s Word at a stretch, reading shorter passages or listening to worship songs helps me to focus on His love.

Others are Facing Similar Issues too

As I shared with others about my health issue, quite a few responded with, "Oh, I have reflux too and I'm taking similar medications." It's been surprising because some of these are church members whom I know quite well. Thus I know I am not alone in having this health issue and the conversations turned to how we are coping, what side effects the medications have, what food we can eat and cannot eat.

The Community of Faith Cares

As a pastoral staff, my role has been to care for others, but now I find myself on the receiving end. Some sent text messages to share they were praying for me, while others prayed for me whenever they saw me in church. Some even bought me healthy food while others provided support by various means. Colleagues stepped in to help when I was not able to do so. There are times I feel like isolating myself from the faith community, especially when I am low in energy or when I look pale and skinny, fearing that I might frighten others. I also feel embarrassed when others show concern. However, as I experience the care, it gives me the strength to press on. I realise that this is a community of faith that shows genuine care, regardless of how I look or feel. During a dark season of my life, I experienced the love of The Bible Church community.

Perhaps, you are going through a tough period in your life too. I encourage you to continue trusting in God, stay engaged in the community of faith, share your challenges and allow others to journey with you and experience the love of God through his people.

Praise be to God.