So, for those of you who did not know, I was diagnosed with COVID about six weeks ago, quarantined for two weeks, then was diagnosed with Shingles three days ago. Yes, I have had the COVID vaccines and the Shingles vaccine. I guess I’m just a lucky guy.

The COVID case was mild, just some fatigue and loss of taste for a while. Other than that, no fever, headaches, respiratory problems, or anything much else. Now the Shingles have dropped me low. I had them about 20 years ago, but don’t remember them being this vicious. And they are this time around. No sleeping and can’t dare scratch because they have turned into what seems like electrodes into each nerve center on my chest, shoulder, and back. However, I have good doctors and they’ve given me plenty of ointments and pills to take to try and at least be more comfortable. Ain’t working yet, but I always have hope.

Coming off one quarantine into another semi-quarantine I struggle with what to do all day. I read a lot, take naps, and work on my Scripture Challenge. This is something I found on Facebook through another friend. The Administrator sends out a monthly list of scripture verses by day and we are to handwrite them down. It may sound tedious at first, but it has proven to boost my Bible reading and study. So many of the passages I am not familiar with, so I’ll do some digging to find the background. And I’ve learned so much for an old dog. I look forward to getting up in the morning, having breakfast and coffee, then plopping down with my Bible and notebook. And like many of you may know, somehow God has planted certain verses in line that I need at a particular time of my life and current state of things.

It is just further proof to me that God can take the bad situations in our lives and turn them around for better. Remember in Romans 8:28 where Paul says, “All things work together for good those who believe in ‘God and Jesus.’”

Now, don’t be sitting there thinking, “Oh, that Jimmy is so lucky and blessed. The birds sing his name and squirrels are ironing his clothes. Things always turn out right for him.” Don’t dare think that! I have days where nothing goes right … physically … emotionally … or spiritually. I rant and rave and carry on until I finally get a strong message that my attitude needs adjusting. My witness is being harmed and that’s a very important thing to me.

Do you ever have days/ weeks/months like that? Where it seems that the world and everyone in it has conspired to dunk you in the pool of gunk? Sure, you do. Don’t act like you don’t. Let me encourage you, the one whom God allowed to be slowed down by COVID and Shingles to get his heart and eyes readjusted to HIM, to just calm down and be sure that God is leading your way. As so many signs have been saying this past year. “We are not in this alone. We can make it.” God is with us, and we will never be alone. Just allow yourself to relax and feel His arms around you.

And for today my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy,

Jimmy Cochran is a resident of McDonough, a musician, a minister and the author of Being God’s and Staying God’s, both available at Amazon.com. Being God’s is also available at Moye’s Pharmacy in McDonough.