Light Always Overcomes Darkness

Yesterday we ministered at A Ház Gyülekezet (The House Church) here in Debrecen, and I  experienced something I had never experienced before. The morning was normal as we prepared for church and drove to the church building--no indications of any problems at all. We visited with people before the service began, but once the worship started I began to feel a pain in my lower back on the left side. I thought that maybe I twisted my back or sat wrong earlier so I didn't think much about it. However, the pain became increasingly worse and I started feeling a bit nauseous as well. About a half hour before I was to speak the pain and nausea became so bad I had to leave the sanctuary a couple of times to step outside and get some fresh air.

After praying outside for a few minutes I returned to the sanctuary a few minutes before I was introduced to present the message. I stepped to the podium and mentioned my back pain and asked if anyone else was feeling any physical pain. Several hands were raised so we prayed for healing so that there would be no hindrances to them hearing the message. My pain and nausea subsided enough that I was able to preach what Nancy and several others said was a powerful message. As soon as I turned the microphone back over to the pastor my pain returned and I once again had to leave the building to get some fresh air. I tried to return to visit with the congregation, but eventually we had to excuse ourselves and Nancy drove me home (Note: If you know me, you know that I was in a lot of pain when I am not able to drive). We considered going to the hospital and actually headed that way, but I decided to just go home so I could rest.

Once we arrived home I immediately went to bed and was able to sleep through the afternoon. By that evening the pain had vanished along with all the other symptoms. Nancy did some checking on the internet to see what the possible problem could have been and thought that I could have suffered from a kidney stone. Since I've never had that problem before, I can't say for sure that is what it was, but the symptoms seem to fit--pain near the kidney, nausea, sweating, and vomiting (yes, that was part of my experience, too). What ever it was, I had never felt that way before and I hope I never experience it again.

One interesting thing is that my message was from John 1:1-18 focusing on verses 5 and 14. My main point was that if we continue to experience God's Presence (behold His glory) and walk in His Light, then darkness can NOT overcome us (vs. 5). I am not one that sees a demon behind every rock, nor do I attribute every problem to an attack of the enemy. However, this is too much of a coincidence to ignore. Why did the pain come just before I was to bring this message? Was Satan trying to stop this church from hearing it? I can't say for sure, but this I do know--the message was preached, the people were blessed, and I am now healed! As long as we continue to walk in His Light, Satan cannot stop us!