When My Body Says, “No!”

There is so much good that needs to be done for God! We know we need to be busy for Him—working hard and using our time wisely. But sometimes our bodies decide not to cooperate. Even if we have terrific character, a strong will, and a good work ethic, there are times when our bodies decide to quit.  First of all, I admit I have had this happen to me several times in my life. I know firsthand what it is like to want to keep going and to be physically unable to get out of bed. I have great sympathy for people who are struggling just to get up in the morning, let alone go to church, go soul winning, attend showers and weddings, and the list goes on. I beg people not to judge harshly those who are ill. Please don’t criticize them if they say they don’t feel well. Some people who actually look healthy are suffering unknown illnesses and deserve a little sympathy.

What should we do when our body says, “No?”

• Realize that there is always a cause. Find the cause of your illness. If it is something simple such as a virus, give your immune system a chance to fight it off by drinking lots of water with lemon, getting enough rest, taking garlic capsules, and drinking some good herb teas such as chamomile and peppermint. It may take two weeks to get rid of a severe virus, so give your body’s immune system a fighting chance to do it alone.
• Get some good health food books that deal with your condition and read up on what is wrong, the causes, and the cures.
• Put these cures into action by drinking the juices and eating the foods that are recommended and staying away from the foods that they suggest may be causing your illness.
• Get away from stressful situations. Stress can kill. Many illnesses are brought on by an overload of “life.” Try to avoid verbal confrontations with people at all costs. Then learn to deal with stressful situations that cannot be avoided. Listen to your body’s warning signals and unwind before you get sick.
• Take this time “on the shelf” as a special opportunity to get closer to the Lord. Time alone with Him is a special gift!
• Do some creative and fun things while you are “down.” Counted cross-stitch, embroidery, needlepoint, and crochet are some interesting crafts that you can learn while you have more free time.
• Read some good books.

Don’t ever give up hope that you will be well again. A good, positive attitude goes a long way in promoting the healing process.