Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, testing our faith, endurance, and decision-making. Recently, I experienced one such challenge during a film shoot in North Dakota—a lesson in faith, humility, and the importance of modern medicine.
A Film Shoot and an Unwelcome Bug
Our team, including my nephew Dan and our coworker sales director Ty Sjodin, set out for North Dakota for a film shoot. School had just started, and Dan, sitting in the back of the car, was coughing persistently. As it turned out, his kids had brought home a bug, which he and his wife caught. Despite taking medication and wearing a mask, he had no choice but to join the shoot.
A couple of days into the trip, Ty began coughing as well. Meanwhile, we were out on the water, focused on our mission. The fishing was excellent, and the trip was shaping up to be a success. I thought I had managed to avoid catching the illness and even joked that I had dodged a bullet. We left a day early, and I returned home feeling grateful to have stayed healthy—or so I thought.
When Illness Strikes
The morning after returning home, I felt a little off. By the next day, it worsened, and by Wednesday, I was in terrible shape—coughing, hacking, and completely miserable. Still, in my stubbornness, I told myself I was strong, a man of faith, and I would get through it without medical intervention.
Days passed, and my condition showed no signs of improvement. Despite my faith and resolve, I was physically drained. By Sunday, a friend called and insisted, “Al, I’m taking you to the doctor. Get in the car now.” Knowing I couldn’t argue, I reluctantly went to urgent care in Brainerd.
A Lesson in Healing
At urgent care, the doctors diagnosed me with a severe case of bronchitis, in addition to whatever bug I had caught. I could barely say two sentences without coughing. They prescribed a five-day course of antibiotics, and while it took the full treatment to work, I finally began to recover. The entire ordeal lasted two exhausting weeks.
One morning, as I was finally feeling like myself again, I spoke with God. I thanked Him for restoring my health, but then I heard Him speak back: “You know, you could have felt better a lot quicker.”
Confused, I asked, “What do you mean?”
God responded, “Al, I want to bless my people, and I have given them modern medical miracles. There are doctors and specialists for a reason—to help you heal faster and live a more fulfilled life.
Standing in faith is important, but there is nothing wrong with seeking medical help when needed. You didn’t have to suffer an extra week and a half. You could have taken care of it sooner.”
Faith and Wisdom Go Hand in Hand
That moment hit me hard. I realized that while faith is essential, wisdom is just as important. God has provided us with doctors, medicine, and modern treatments as tools for healing. Ignoring those blessings in the name of faith alone can sometimes mean unnecessary suffering.
So, I repented and thanked God for His guidance. I learned my lesson—next time, I’ll listen better. I won’t let pride or stubbornness keep me from accepting the help He has made available.
As I write this, I feel great again. And I wanted to share this lesson with you as a reminder: Faith and wisdom should work together. If you’re unwell, there is no shame in seeking medical care.
