11/08/25 Weekend Grif.Net - Week of Reflection
b...@grif.net
At the end of October 2018 at age 70, I suffered a right-brain stroke. After a few days in ICU in the hospital, I was allowed to return home but not to preaching. I had very few “deficits” and the specialist said I was in the 3% who was thus fortunate, but that I should be aware that my health was changed, and I should expect various problems to surface in the next few years. I thought I had been spared, so soon returned to the pulpit and work as CFO of my wife’s clinic.
My strength and stamina began a downward spiral and even with reduced workload (Covid impacting services and wife retiring and closing her clinic) it was evident I needed to intentionally slow down. I retired in 2021and we moved to a large retirement community where we enjoy independent living. I AM blessed.
I reread my first blog post after my stroke, from seven years ago this week (November 4th, 2018).
“This is a challenging Sunday morning. My body is weak and frail and I am at home in bed with the computer on my lap. I am praying for my Church and its sweet family gathered who are, in turn, praying for me and my recovery.
I have been a pastor (full time) since 1970 and belong in the pulpit. But right now, because of this health challenge, life is changed. I am so thankful that I have a sovereign God in Whom I have 100% confidence.
Last Sunday I preached what Charles Spurgeon wrote when a pastor-friend of his suffered an illness as a sermon illustration:
*Good men may be in ill health by God’s will
*Good men may be sidelined when seem most needed
*Good men would have the Lord’s work go on whatever becomes of them
I had no inkling that less than 24 hours later I would have a stroke and be one of those men.
God has a plan for His servant. He's more interested in the "man" than in the "ministry", and has a plan for His church. Right now, it is a time of recovery for me and taking it a little slower for sure. Praying now for my people that they would be encouraged and strengthened.
For years I have preached about aging and death, and always concludes with a smile that, "Someday I will GET to die". It was not to be last Monday morning.
Today, "I GET to live".
Romans 14:8 "For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's."
I am thankful for God’s kindness in graciously providing in retirement and a measure of health and strength for the day. I appreciate a good doctor trying various meds to help my mind and body as my health is challenged. I trust a God Who knows things that are too many for my to count - the number of hairs on my head, stars in the heavens, sand on the shore, and the number of times He has forgiven me.
Until God calls me home, I continue to love and serve Him without reservation.
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
Continue steadfastly in prayer,
being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
