I went to Mexico weeks ago and escaped without any serious sun burns or heat exhaustion despite high temperatures in the 90s and 100s. I had took precautions at my wife’s advice using sun block and wearing a cap. When the humidity and heat got to be too much for us we took shelter in the shade and AC drinking plenty of water. We beat the heat.

Though, a week later the heat followed us back home. We decided at the last moment to go to our local water park. The day was somewhat overcast and in the mid 70s. We stayed for 4 hours laying out and enjoying the water rides and pools. Unfortunately for me this time I did not heed my wife’s advice.

When I got home I knew I was badly burned. The next day blisters formed on my shoulders and stomach. I lost my appetite and had severe headache. A regiment of ibuprofen, aloe, and bathing in cool water ensued to alleviate my pain and heal my body.

Along with the the physical aid I sought out the Lord for forgiveness and healing. He answered my prayers by removing my enemy several times. In my pain I cherish that more than a healing from the burns. Cleansing one’s soul goes farther than healing ones body as I know eventually I would recover.

My Lord took compassion on me and protected me from my enemy like a loving parent would do. Though He did not heal me and cannot complain rather I give Him praise for forcing me to slow down to spend time with Him.

My busy life has gotten in the way of my time with the Lord and has really affected me to the point where the enemy is dragging me down. The simple truth is I just need to spend quality time with the Lord and His grace would flow over me to make the enemy flee. In times of sickness such as my 2nd degree burns from the sun or a severe cold or flu the Lord and I draw closer to each other. It should not be that that is the best quality time I have with Him.

I will ingest my Lord’s message to me and will plan to serve Him more and give Him the honor He so deserves. A relationship with our Heavenly Father is the best thing for us - eternity of joy. It is a relationship that has mutual benefits, so slow down to stop from your busy schedule to spend some quality time with your Lord God. You will not get burnt doing it.