I have to share something with you: So far, the year 2015 has not been a good one for my health.  

I’ve had the flu and a separate stomach bug a couple of weeks apart. I’ve had two dizzy spells that were described as vertigo. And every time I have sneezed, or at least it seems, it has developed into a full-blown sinus infection (four times so far). On top of that, my blood pressure has been creeping up — not yet to dangerous levels, but above the number it always has been.  

I coughed my way through the Mother’s Day sermon at our church. I don’t know if it was more miserable for me or for my church family, but I know it was embarrassing and frustrating. You see, I’m not a very good patient. Being a good patient requires patience, and I’m not known for that.  

I have wondered what my issue is. More friends than I can count have reminded me that I’m not as young as I used to be. Sometimes, I wonder if I need new friends.

Others have asked me what I think God might be teaching me through my trials. And they might be onto something. I know that God uses trials to teach us lessons that we might not otherwise learn.  

Here are some things I need to remember. First, the trials I have faced are minimal compared to others. My illnesses have been nothing more than inconvenient. It is important that I give thanks for the good things I enjoy.  

Second, I need to learn to listen for God’s voice in the midst of trials. God often blesses us beyond what we deserve. Sometimes, we don’t learn as much in these times as we should. So in the midst of sickness, I need to listen. He may indeed have something to say that I need desperately to hear.

Finally, through it all, I need to focus on others more than myself. I cannot enjoy a pity party for myself. I need to live as a servant. And that really is the main idea.  Our Savior, Jesus Christ, was a servant. He was the Lord and Creator of all, and yet he was a servant. As he said, “A servant is not above his master.” And so I must follow in his footsteps.

Let me encourage you to be a servant. God will guide and use you to change a life as you submit your will to him.