I hate to keep going on about this, but I just wanted to give a final update.
First, thank you all for the kind words and prayers. It helps a lot as I know we are experiencing the same things, spiritually speaking.
I was again rushed to the emergency room, and this time they sent me out on an emergency flight to the hospital. My heart was experiencing arterial fibrillation, and was determined to be caused by Graves Disease. I stayed in the hospital for 4 days as they monitored me and gave me medications to alleviate my symptoms. I'm back home now.
It's been an interesting experience so far, knowing all is of God. I've quit smoking, and cut down on caffeine. I pray to God that lasts. I had been actually praying for years that God would somehow help me quit smoking, but never expected it to be quite this way. However, my physical problems pail in comparison to my spiritual problems. I truly hope this is God's way of dealing with me as a son. It's all good, and I'm very thankful.
I'm still afraid at times for what's to come, but I'm constantly reminded about all the Scriptures that tell me to hang in there when the going gets tough.
I was actually re-reading one of Ray's papers (before this last emergency) which spoke about how Jesus compelled His disciples into a boat during a storm. It was a kind of foreshadowing of judgement on His Elect. They were afraid to do what Jesus asked, understandable so. Who the heck wants to willingly go into a storm in a small boat? I've been in some nasty storms in a small boat before, and it was indeed frightening. I wasn't given faith back then, so of course I was afraid.
I'm now in another storm, and I'm not always sure I'll be ok, spiritually. I know the Scripture that says to count it all joy when experiencing trials and tribulations, as it is a manifestation of God's righteous judgment. It's just too easy to doubt sometimes.
I'm so glad to be part of this forum. I'm so happy you love Jesus. Forgive me if I've been a bit terse at times, I'm still learning.
Peace