What Being Sick On New Year’s Taught Me

Between the week of Christmas and New Year’s, I felt it laid on my heart to study Isaiah 43. 

Now, I confess, Isaiah is one of my least favorite books in the Bible. I didn’t know why God was telling me to read it, but I do like that specific chapter, so I did it. 

Isaiah 43:2 and Isaiah 43:18-19 stood out to me the most in that chapter, and I knew I needed to memorize them going into 2018. 

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The flames will not set you ablaze.” -Isaiah 43:2 

“Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert, and streams in the wasteland.” -Isaiah 43:18-19 

I had no idea why I needed to memorize those verses, but something deep within me was telling me I’d need them this year. Around 8 P.M on New Year’s Eve, I suddenly fell ill with a fever that got up to 102° 

New Year’s is one of my favorite holidays, and I was really bummed out that I wasn’t feeling well enough to enjoy it. 

So rather than celebrating the new year, my first day in 2018 was spent in bed...

And my second...

And my third...

And most of my fourth... 

My brain was so clouded, it felt like New Year’s never even happened. 

I realized I had a choice. I could either be upset and feel sorry for myself, or I could choose to rejoice even in this unexpected and unpleasant circumstance. 

I’m far from perfect, I really wanted to choose the former at times... 

but then I remembered those verses I had memorized going into this year. 

Through the fire and waters, God is with me. They will not overtake me, because everything I face has already gone through Him. 

He knows what I can take, and He knows this is going to teach me something important. 

My 2018 may have had a start I never would’ve cast upon myself, but I know He is with me. No matter what troubles I face this year, He is with me. 

And He’s with you too, no matter what 2018 throws at you.