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God, a Mosquito, and Me: Surviving the West Nile Virus

As I continue to recover from the West Nile Virus, God has gently reminded me that I must completely trust in Him. Everything, including my illness was in His plan and my plan is rarely His plan. He has continued to be always there with me, even in my darkest hours.

Last September, I had what I thought was an unusually long summer cold. It began with a runny nose, headaches and then extreme weakness. Several days later, I woke up in the hospital in ICU surrounded by my mother and sister. I had meningitis and encephalitis caused by the West Nile Virus. Although I could feel pain and sensations, I could not move my body. I felt like a sack of potatoes in bed. How could a little mosquito create so many problems I thought? I had heard of the West Nile Virus before, but never dreamed I would become a victim of it.

My recovery has been a long one and it is expected to take about a year for full recovery. During this time, I have had to build up my muscle strength again through physical therapy and many exercises as my nervous system and muscles were severely attacked. I was too weak to feed myself, turn and sit up in bed, stand or walk. Even the simplest thing such as swallowing, was a difficult to do.

Throughout my ordeal, God has been merciful to me. He reminded me as it states in Jeremiah 29:11, (paraphrased) that He has a plan for my life, a plan for my future and hope. I knew that I did not live this far in my middle-aged life only to have the doors shut on me. I had to trust in Him. God knew where I would be at this point in my life, He knew I would get sick and it was all in His plan.

Yet, what I have gained from all of this is that once I completely surrendered and trusted in Him, the blessings from it have overflowed. My mother and sister took care of me round-the-clock, many, many people from work, friends and family have faithfully prayed for me, and people have helped out with bills and food.

It has not been an easy trial for me. Recovery is slow and learning to be patience is very difficult. Although I have beaten the predictions of when I would be able to walk again, I still need to regain more of my strength back. It will be a full year before I return to work.

I have clung on to Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” and “And all things you ask believing you will receive”, Matthew 21:22 (NAS). When I realized in order to claim these verses for my recovery, I had to completely trust in Him, wait and be patient. Then, I began to reap the benefits from Him.

Please Trust in Him because He wants us to! God wants us to cast all of our burdens on Him, and not take it upon ourselves. After you do, remember to use insect repellent during the mosquito season and don’t leave standing water around outside! The mosquitoes want your blood for dinner!

 

» left by Teresa^(1,655) (2 years 247 days ago.)

Hi Tish,

 

Thank you for sharing a piece of your story. What a great source of encouragement! There are many people who feel the weight of a difficult season in their lives, and I know this will bless them. I pray many of them find their way to this story.

 

Blessings to you!! love, Teresa

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