I started having chills on Tuesday, December 1. Over the next couple of weeks, I had Covid-19 with just about all of its symptoms, and it developed into Covid-pneumonia. It is by far the worst illness I’ve had in decades, and I thank God that my family did not get it to the degree that I did. After a few days of losing weight (almost 10% of my body weight), getting worse, and having difficulty when I moved around (especially after going up or down stairs), my wife took me to the emergency room at a local hospital. They took me in right away, gave me a round of fluids, steroids, and antibiotics through an IV, and they sent me home after a few hours with pill forms of steroids and antibiotics to continue the healing process. That was my turnaround day, and the Lord continued to heal me over the next few days. Why this thing poisoned my system so severely and barely bit the heels of my family, I may never know.

Like anyone else on earth, I did not want to get Covid-19, especially to the degree that I did. But, now that it’s all done, I’m thankful for the lessons that I learned through this ordeal. God taught me much through suffering this virus. As you read on, you’ll find eight lessons for why I’m thankful that God allowed me to suffer Covid-19.

#1: God’s plans are always better than our plans.

I had writing plans, study plans, preaching plans, family plans, etc. for the first half of December (and after). I’m a type-A personality who enjoys planning as much as executing. But for all my planning, especially for December, God had other plans (cf. Proverbs 16:1, 3, 9, 33). And for all of the lessons I’ve learned and relearned, I’m so glad He did. His plans are better than mine.

#2: Nothing satisfies the soul more than God.

Between having cottonmouth and not wanting to eat, I could do little more than sleep in my bed or vegetate in my chair. The fevers and headaches kept me from being able to read. Whether checking the news, trying to play a game on my phone, or watching a video (sports bloopers and the like), what I enjoyed most was reading a psalm, and especially Psalm 110. Christ is my Great High Priest, He is coming again, and His people will follow Him in that day. God’s Word gave me the greatest pleasure in the midst of my great displeasure. Covid-19 parched my body and gave my soul a thirst for my God.

#3: God values personal sanctification more than our practical goals.

There was something worse than the virus in me when I was ill. There was anger for missing goals and frustration for not knowing why I got Covid-19 and why I got it so severely. I spoke like Job several times. Just ask my wife. (And she did not tell me to curse God and die, in case you were wondering.) God let me suffer so I could see that He was sovereign and that I needed sanctification. I am ashamed of some of the reactions I had. I am glad that He mercifully exposed my sin so that I can better show the fruit of His Spirit in time to come.

#4: God is merciful and compassionate to heal the sick.

Speaking of Job, not only do we learn that he was steadfast in his trials, but God was also compassionate and merciful to Him in the end (James 5:11). I wondered for a good week if God would be merciful and compassionate to me. He was. And His mercy and compassion was to do some healing to my soul along the way. If only I could have realized that better at the time.

#5: Fellow pastors are gifts from God.

My church only has about 50 people, but God has graced us with two pastors. While I was out of commission, my fellow pastor stepped into the helm and put his previous lead pastor experience to good use. It was a great comfort to me in sickness to know that my fellow shepherd was leading our flock. And I’m thankful that God was able to spotlight his gifts to our congregation during this time. He’s a good man, my church knows it, and I’m eternally thankful for him.

#6: God’s people are full of love.

The dear folks in my church called, texted, sent notes, made meals, gave us money for meals, and prayed for healing. They did all the little things I do to prepare for our services and filled in the gaps. Somebody watched our kids when my wife took me to the emergency room. They came to our house and caroled at our front door, bringing both me and my wife to tears. I’ve never seen such love, and without suffering through Covid-19, I might have never seen it. I’m overwhelmed by the privilege to serve such a wonderful church.

#7: A godly wife is the glue that keeps the family together.

I’m convinced I’d die in three days without my wife. Day 1 – I’m in the fetal position in my bed. Day 2 – I’m shriveled up like a raisin. Day 3 – I’m in heaven. Okay, that’s a bit ridiculous, but it’s probably not too far off the mark. During this time, she managed our children and me, kept the house going, and did it all with a heavy load and heart. She did it while working through her own bout of fevers and headaches as well. Her kindness and diligence overwhelm me. I know I don’t deserve her, but I’m so grateful that she said “yes.”

#8: I love Bob Jones University.

This lesson may seem out of the blue when compared to the previous seven, but I say “I love BJU” for two reasons as it relates to my time with Covid-19. First, when I was able to start reading again, I slowly worked through 172 pages of student papers I had to grade for a Doctor of Ministry class that I recently taught for BJU, “The Theology and Development of Leadership.” If I could paraphrase 3 John 4 with respect to teaching at BJU, “I have no greater joy that to read what my students are writing of the truth.” Perhaps a parallel joy, though, would be to hear of their service for the truth as well. I not only had six students, but I now have six more colleagues in ministry. Praise God for these diligent men. Second, one of my brothers told me to read a biography while I was sick, so I grabbed Dan Turner’s Standing Without Apology: The History of Bob Jones University. Until I gave this book a read, I never knew the heritage of BJU in depth, just how broad the ministry of BJU was, and the intensity of its battles over the years. Reading this book at this time motivated me all the more to conquer Covid-19 and get back to serving my church because God’s work is worth every ounce of effort we can give it, whether at a college, church, or wherever. I hope to fight for God’s work in every corner just like those who have served at BJU. I’m thankful for God’s preservation of this school and its role in my life over the years. I love BJU. (And for full disclosure—I am admittedly biased. I went to college at BJU and teach as adjunct faculty. The ministry of fellow students, my brothers, faculty, and staff made a lasting impression upon me— spiritually, culturally, and ecclesiastically. I am forever indebted to the school for what I received during my time as a student and grateful to teach in its seminary.)

Well, there you have it. I thank the Lord for giving me Covid-19, and you can see why above. If you happen to get it yourself, pray and see what the Lord might teach you as well.

What follows below are three simple practical lessons illustrated from the life of Andrew. These lessons may not be the main points of each narrative cited below, but they come to mind when we observe the various texts describing the life of Andrew. As simple as they may be, I hope they encourage you today.

Be willing to serve in the background.

We see Andrew in the background in a couple of ways in his ministry. First, in half of the instances that his name is mentioned, Andrew is described as “the brother of Peter,” implying Peter was more well-known than him (Matthew 4:18; 10:2; Mark 1:16; Luke 6:14; John 1:40; 6:8). Andrew faithfully served in Peter’s shadow to some degree. Second, Andrew served close to those who were closer to Christ during His earthly ministry than he was. Often called the “inner three,” Peter, James, and John were with Christ at His Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8) and in Gethsemane the night before His death (Matthew 26:37). John MacArthur calls Andrew one of the “inner four” because his name is always included with these three in the first set of four names in all of the lists of the disciples (Matthew 10:2; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). He also joined the three to see Peter’s mother-in-law healed (Mark 1:29) and hear Jesus teach about end times (Mark 13:3).

Whether serving in his brother’s shadow or being close to the three but not one of them, Andrew still served his Lord. We should likewise serve the Lord in whatever role the Lord gives us.

Be willing to serve others on a personal level.

Andrew was one of the first two disciples to follow Jesus (John 1:35–40) and personally connected people to Jesus in two instances noted in Scripture. First, he went and brought Peter to Jesus as well (John 1:41), and, second, he later brought some Greeks to Jesus (John 12:20–22), allowing them to hear from Him how to have eternal life (John 12:23–24).

All it takes for someone to meet Jesus is for us to speak to that person and bring him to Christ. We can introduce him to Christ through the Scriptures, and if they believe, they, too, will see His face one day (Revelation 22:4).

Be willing to serve in tough circumstances.

Andrew showed himself faithful in an interesting way in the feeding of the five thousand. This crowd listened to Jesus teach long enough to need food (John 6:1–6, 10). When Jesus pressed the disciples with the people’s need, Philip could only think of the money involved while Andrew searched for food and pointed out a boy’s meal of five loaves and two fish (John 6:7–9). While Andrew himself was perplexed at what to do with such a small number of items for so many people (John 6:9, “What are they for so many?”), he at least did something. It was these same loaves and fish that Jesus used to miraculously feed the crowd (John 6:11).

Like Andrew, we must be willing to serve in tough circumstances, even if we do not know a difficult situation will be resolved. Faithfully serve, and God is perfectly capable of resolving any situation in His own time and in His own way.

Proverbs and Kings

What follows below in this section is simply a brief summary of the verses in Proverbs mentioning a “king” or “kings.”

• The glory of kings is their people, and their ruin is to lose them (14:28; 30:31).
• To keep the favor of the king and to avoid his wrath, one should be wise, righteous and gracious in speech, pure in heart, skillful in work, and respectful of his office. One should not be shameful, disloyal, or self-promoting (14:35; 16:13–15; 19:12; 20:2; 20:26; 22:11, 29; 24:21–22; 25:6–7).
• God expects a king to rule with wisdom (8:15), uphold His Word in judgment (16:10), do no evil (16:11), rid the land of evil (20:8, 26), investigate matters diligently (25:2), listen to righteous counsel (25:4–5), be just, refuse bribes (29:4), faithfully judge the poor (29:14), be prepared (30:22), and forsake immorality and drunkenness (31:3). Kings should be those whose bits of wisdom are proverbial for the land (1:1; 25:1; 31:1).
• God is sovereign over kings (20:28) and their hearts (21:1) and is the only One who truly knows their motivations (25:3).

From the NT, whoever our kings may be…

• They must be obeyed as long as it is not sinful to do so (Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:13–17; Titus 3:2).
• They must be the object of our prayers (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
• They are subjects of the greater King to come (Revelation 19:16).

These are my notes from teaching some teens on this topic in my church. This is a debated issue, but I believe Scripture is sufficient to answer whether or not Christians should get tattoos. Here is what I believe Scripture says about the matter:

1. At the very least, tattoos or any other modification of our anatomy should not be identified with paganism or worldliness (Leviticus 19:28; cf. Leviticus 21:5; Deuteronomy 14:1–2). Sometimes physical alterations were allowable but had a distinctly God-given purpose (Genesis 4:15; Exodus 21:1–6). Even shaving one’s hair was temporary, as would be the mourning with which it was associated (Job 1:20; Isaiah 22:12).
2. Though speaking to women concerning clothing and hair, 1 Peter 3:3–4 and 1 Timothy 2:9–10 give a principle for all Christians—God is more concerned with our hearts and actions than our outward, physical appearance. Good works and words are what best adorn the temple of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:20). Bringing the eyes of others to look at something else is simply a distraction.
3. The Bible speaks against worldliness (1 John 2:15–17). Historically, it is not Christians who have originated and advocated for tattoos. This is a worldly enterprise. Unbelievers typically get tattoos to show what means most to them. Why would we take a pagan practice and attempt to Christianize it (by, say, tattooing a verse to your arm), especially when the Bible commends what matters most to us (Christ, God, the Bible, etc.) to simply be visible as a way of life (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:11–12)?
4. Referring again to 1 John 2:15–17, the body itself is passing away (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:16). This makes much of our body, something to be bettered at our glorification. However eternal the message of a tattoo may be (even if it is a Bible verse, a cross, etc.), it will eventually be marred by fading or be disfigured by aging skin. Do we want to represent what is most important to us with faded ink on wrinkles?
5. What do you your parents say? Do you even want to do something as an adult that would permanently disappoint your parents? What about a spouse? See Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; Proverbs 1:8; Ephesians 6:1–3.
6. Tattoos are not a wise use of money. It costs a bit to get tattoos and even more to remove them. The bigger and inkier the tattoo, the more expensive, time-consuming, and painful it will be to have it removed.
7. Because of their permanent appearance, tattoos imply an absolute commitment to whatever the tattoo says or symbolizes. Your tattoo thus boasts of something. But the Bible commends us to boast in the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23–24). And, if there is anything worth nothing about ourselves, it should be from another person, unprompted by us (Proverbs 27:2). Our words and actions should be commitment enough to whatever the matter of commitment may be (James 5:12).
8. The only physical symbol that the Bible commands of us is baptism. And even this is not something that permanently attaches itself to our physical bodies everywhere we go.
9. At the very least, getting a tattoo brings attention to something debatable among Christians, permanently marking yourself as controversial in this regard. Not only does the tattoo boast of whatever its message may be, but the tattoo in and of itself boasts of a willingness to do what many Christians have chosen not to do, something the Bible discourages (cf. Romans 14:6b, 22).
10. Some people have been taught and believe differently, being Christians who get tattoos. Some people have tattoos and then become Christians, later regretting their tattoos. Either way it happens, we should not judge someone by their immediate appearance but come to understand why they received their tattoos and evaluate their faith by their words and works as a whole (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7).

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A couple of blog posts on the matter helped me to collect my thoughts (click here and here), and then I added some of my own thoughts as well.

Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other special days to remember—these days and their memories bring grief to those who have shared them with loved ones who have passed away, especially if their passing is around or on one of these days.

The grief is all the greater if the one now passed never knew the Lord. In such a situation, we know that, as biting as the grief may be, the Son of God came from heaven, suffered for our sins on the cross, and was raised so that we by faith in Him might be with Him forever. After His coming, God Himself “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4 ESV). For those of us who know the Lord, there is at least the hope that our suffering will one day end.

When we grieve for believers who have gone to be with the Lord, we are encouraged that their absence “from the body” means that they are “at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8 ESV). We are also encouraged that we do “not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 ESV). When Christ comes again, “the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 ESV). We are to “encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18 ESV).

Suffering will be no more. We will be reunited with the dead in Christ who are now more alive than they have ever been before. Right now, these believers are in the presence of Christ, anticipating with us when He will call us all to Himself, reuniting us to be with Him forever.

These are words of hope for any time when you grieve for those who have passed away, and especially during those special times that you once shared with these special people. If you have lost a spouse, parent, child, relative, or friend, may the Lord give you comfort today from these encouraging truths.