In the spring of 1988, doctors at Mayo Clinic diagnosed me with a rare and chronic autoimmune inflammation of the skeletal muscles and blood vessels called Polymyositis. I was then a pastor at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church in Minot, North Dakota. Receiving this diagnosis, I remember saying to God, "My life has been yours since I was a teenager. Whatever you choose to do in my life, it's OK with me."

On the amazing journey since that day, I've learned so much about our awesome God. He's shown me he heals spiritually, emotionally, relationally, physically and financially. God uses four options in healing: gradually, temporarily, suddenly and permanently. The last one is reserved for believers in Jesus. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (Psalm 116:15).

The doctors said the disease was chronic, describing it as a fire in my muscles and blood vessels that could not be put out. They began using chemicals with the hope of slowing down the spread and intensity of the fire so I could live as healthy and as long a life as possible. They suggested a warmer climate. I was told that stress aggravates the inflammation, so if I wanted to live I should accept disability. After over four years of treatment I was able to take two years of temporary disability.

Many of you prayed for me. We stepped out in faith, and saw God care for us in amazing ways! My wife Diane and I were flying home from the Northwest. Over Denver, our plane was in a holding pattern waiting to land, when the Holy Spirit clearly spoke to my heart. "This is just what you are doing as pastor of Our Redeemer's. Go home, resign and trust me!" I remember feeling uncertain, yet not afraid. We had no idea how the Lord would provide for us. Our children were teenagers in high school and college. Now I look back and see that the Lord had our lives in his plan.

Brad Martinson, Director of Finance for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, called me. He told me about a disability insurance program for pastors. We worked with his office and found that I qualified. God used this to provide for my family and me for two years!

At the end of 1994, the leaders at Grace Lutheran Brethren Church in Bottineau, North Dakota told me that if I would be their pastor they would do the ministry work I couldn't do. It became a healing time for the church and for Diane and me. After six years, we accepted the call to serve Good Shepherd Ministries in Buda, Texas. Did God ever lead us to a warmer climate! The temperature has been in triple digits most of this summer with very little rain.

I have been under the care of doctors of internal medicine, rheumatology and neurology and on some serious immune-suppressing drugs for the last 21 years. My muscles have deteriorated, so that I have fallen without warning or control. When I tried to exercise on a treadmill my falls increased. I believe the Lord led me through my skepticism, and that of my doctors, to a surprising "supplement" that has helped very much.

The Lord brought a horse ranch owner and reining horse trainer into my life. I was at a restaurant when Kyle Schurig came in with folks from his ranch and a trainer from Australia. We became instant friends and he invited me to ride horses at his ranch. I told him there's no way I could get on a horse. He said, "We'll teach one to bow." Kyle and Elizabeth Schurig are not part of our church ministry, yet God led our paths to cross so we could minister to each other. They have welcomed me to their ranch, home and activities in a way that continues to be a special blessing. One Christmas Eve, Kyle asked me to meet him at his stables. Standing in the entry was a registered quarter horse with a great big red bow wrapped around her neck. Kyle said, "Merry Christmas, Roy!" Wow, what a gift! The ranch has become my retreat.

By now you are probably wondering, why am I am sharing all this?

Five years ago the medications I had been taking weren't working any more. A neurologist prescribed 2000 mg. a day of a new drug. About six months ago, my doctor took me off of the prescription "to see if the drugs are working." At a follow-up visit on August 11, he told me, "The damage from the chemicals and the fire has been done, but the fire in your body has burned itself out!"

The impossible has happened! "For nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37). God has been awesome to me in Texas!

I have so many to thank - the congregations I served that have been so supportive; Brad Martinson, Larry Bethel, and the CLB Trustee Board for your work with the CLB health plan, which made it possible for me to stay in the ministry; and especially my family. They have loved and supported me through the mood swings, limitations and uncertainties in this amazing journey of faith. Finally, thanks to all of you who prayed!

Pastor Roy Erdahl serves Good Shepherd Ministries in Buda, Texas (www.goodshepherdbuda.org).