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The human body is an incredible creation with intricate systems working together seamlessly. Yet, its fragility becomes evident when illness strikes. Some illnesses destroy the myelin sheathing on nerves, causing lesions on the brain, spine, and optic nerve. Similarly, sin damages the sheathing to our soul, leaving lesions in its wake.
I’ve experienced the fragility of the human body. I have an illness called Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease (MOGAD). This autoimmune condition attacks the myelin sheath that protects nerves, leading to symptoms like sudden blindness, spinal lesions, and difficulty walking. For me, it began with bilateral optic neuritis, which caused total blindness. Soon after, doctors discovered lesions on my brain and spine. Over time, my ability to walk was compromised, and my condition worsened despite various treatments. However, this journey has taught me profound lessons about healing—both physically and spiritually.
As Christians, we face a similar battle in our spiritual lives. Sin, much like an autoimmune disease, attacks the soul insidiously. It begins subtly, perhaps as a small compromise or a seemingly harmless action. But left unchecked, it spreads, leaving lesions on our souls that impair our connection with God. These spiritual lesions disrupt the joy, peace, and purpose we were created to experience. Without intervention, sin progresses, leading to further damage and separation from our Creator.
For years, my condition resisted treatment. Despite trying multiple therapies, the disease continued to progress, and I felt increasingly powerless. This struggle mirrors the futility of trying to overcome sin through human effort alone. We might attempt to fix ourselves through willpower, good deeds, or self-discipline, but these efforts are insufficient. Just as my body needed treatment beyond my own strength, our souls require the transformative power of God’s grace to heal from the effects of sin.
Two years ago, my doctors began treating me with Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG), a therapy that has been nearly miraculous. IVIG, derived from the plasma of over 20,000 donors, contains antibodies that help regulate my immune system. Slowly but surely, my sight returned, and other than on a few bad days, I have regained the ability to walk without a cane. This treatment hasn’t completely stopped the disease—I still experience a few other neurological symptoms. The generosity of plasma donors made this possible, reminding me of the vital role others play in healing—both physically and spiritually.
When we acknowledge our sins to God and surrender ourselves to Him, He provides forgiveness and restoration we could never achieve on our own. Through His power, God doesn’t just repair what was broken; He makes us new. Just as my physical healing relied on plasma donors, spiritual healing often involves the prayers, encouragement, and support of our Christian community. Fellow believers act as instruments of God’s grace, offering accountability and guidance.
Both physical and spiritual healing require surrender and ongoing care. When I began IVIG treatment, I had to trust my doctors’ plan, even when the outcome was uncertain. Similarly, surrendering to God’s grace requires faith. It means admitting we can’t heal ourselves. We must place our lives in God’s hands for mercy and we open up to our trusted friends to find healing and freedom.
I will be receiving IVIG infusions on back-to-back days every six weeks for the rest of my life. Each day’s treatment costs $78,000, amounting to over $1.2 million annually. Thankfully, Medicare and my supplement cover this expense. Likewise, spiritual healing is not a one-time event. Our spiritual lives require continuous attention and care. Treating the soul doesn’t cost money, but it demands a costly commitment of time, energy, and prayer. Scripture study, prayer, and Christian fellowship are essential for maintaining spiritual health and resisting the destructive power of sin.
If I left the lesions on my nerves untreated, they would become what physicians call “black holes.” The lack of treatment would result in irreparable nerve damage. Similarly, sin’s lesions, left untreated, lead to spiritual death. Yet through God’s grace, no black spot on the soul is beyond repair. His forgiveness and love reach even the deepest wounds, bringing healing and restoration that is complete and eternal.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m reminded of the parallels between physical and spiritual healing. Just as I must continue IVIG to prevent new lesions, we must guard our souls against sin through ongoing spiritual discipline. Prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other believers are like IVIG for our souls—tools God provides to keep us connected to Him and protected from sin’s effects. The generosity and support of the Christian community are indispensable, reminding us we are not meant to walk this journey alone.
In conclusion, my experience with MOGAD and IVIG has deepened my appreciation for the parallels between physical healing and spiritual restoration. Both require acknowledging the problem, surrendering to the right intervention, and committing to ongoing care. While IVIG has given me a new lease on life, it is God’s grace that has truly transformed me. Unlike the lesions in my body, which may return, the black spots in my soul are forever erased by His love. This truth is a beacon of hope, reminding us that no matter how far we have fallen, God’s grace is always sufficient to restore and renew. Just as plasma donors made my physical healing possible, the prayers, love, and fellowship of others are vital in helping us overcome sin and live in the fullness of God’s grace.
Heavenly Father, I give you thanks for the gifts and advancements of medical science. Treatments like IVIG help to keep me and others who are ill alive. More importantly Father, I give you thanks for Your Son Jesus Christ. Unlike IVIG that treats me in this life which is fleeting, Jesus’ love, mercy and forgiveness, grant me the opportunity for eternal life with You. Amen!
AMDG
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Please take a moment to share your thoughts about today’s message below.
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Brian,
A message for me of don’t give up.
Thank you!
God bless Michael
Brian, having an adult daughter with MS, I am well-acquainted with the myelin sheath and what happens when it doesn’t function as it’s meant to. Your words spoke directly to my heart and my situation. Thank you for your generous sharing.
I will continue to pray for you and your current treatment. May it give you the strength and courage you need to continue to do the important work of your ministry.
I ask that you also pray for my daughter. Beside the extended exacerbation she’s also dealing with a job loss and an 18year-old daughter struggling with anorexia. It is a difficult time for this family.
Be assured of my prayers as I ask you for yours.
Brian, like you I had an unusual cardiac issue. The cause was not easily determined. But with persistence and what I feel was devine intervention, I happened to read the clinical update on side effects of a certain medication I was taking. That’s when I notices that the incidence of a crtain side effect became more pronounced the longer patients took the medication. I shared the technical data with my specialist and they followed up doing more research. We subsequently agreed to temporarily stop the drug to see if the side effect subsided, and noe other symptoms returned. Since then the heart issue stopped, and the initial reason for the medication has remained in remission now for nearly five years. Thanks be to God. Again and again in my life similar interventions from a higher authority have turned the adverse into positives. I appreciate the good fortune and touch of the Lord in response to many prayers.
Just when I was having a “poor me” session, I read your most meaningful message. Thank you. I now know your faith, your passion, your resilience, your kindness are those qualities which encourage you to be our best messenger, Brian .
Continued success with your treatment, Brian. I’m glad something came your way that could help you. If you don’t mind, I’ve put you on my prayer list.
Very thoughtful analogy, Brian. Thanks and prayers to God that your treatments keep on working so well. Jim
Brian,
I haven’t responded in a while,but today’s lesson is one that was necessary to spur me on. God uses you in a very powerful way. He has given you the faith to see that He will use any and all of us to speak to us and lead us closer to Himself. He has given you the necessary Hope to trust that He will continue towalk with you throughout this difficult and often frustrating illness so you can share with us your insights into how much He loves you and all of us. He has also blessed you with His Love for you and all of us, so we can be drawn more closely into the Loving Relationship with Him.
May God continue to bless you with His faithful Presence, Love, and Wisdom to share your thoughts, prayers, and life with us all. May He bless you with His continued Healing and Gra e. I pray in Jesus’s Holy and Mighty Name. Amen.
I am adding you and your family to my prayer list.
Your Sister in Christ,
DeColores, my Friend,
Lucy
Brian,
I haven’t responded in a while,but today’s lesson is one that was necessary to spur me on. God uses you in a very powerful way. He has given you the faith to see that He will use any and all of us to speak to us and lead us closer to Himself. He has given you the necessary Hope to trust that He will continue towalk with you throughout this difficult and often frustrating illness so you can share with us your insights into how much He loves you and all of us. He has also blessed you with His Love for you and all of us, so we can be drawn more closely into the Loving Relationship with Him.
May God continue to bless you with His faithful Presence, Love, and Wisdom to share your thoughts, prayers, and life with us all. May He bless you with His continued Healing and Grace. I pray in Jesus’s Holy and Mighty Name. Amen.
I am adding you and your family to my prayer list.
Your Sister in Christ,
DeColores, my Friend,
Lucy
Praise God for the miracle of His healing in your life. And, thank you for sharing the physical and aligning it with the spiritual. Powerful. Insightful. Encouraging.
Love to you and MaryBeth