We also know from the biblical text that Timothy was a young pastor. At times Timothy struggled with being timid in the face of push back, potential persecution, and real pain. Like all Word-dominated leaders Timothy's ministry in Ephesus experienced highs and lows. He needed a lot of encouragement, counsel, and care as he served Christ's cause in Asia minor (see 1 and 2 Timothy). As a loving shepherd and spiritual father Paul instructs his son in the faith in 1 Timothy 5:23 to take a little wine for the sake of his aching gut.
When I came to Freeport in 2008 God had blessed me with twenty-eight years of very good health. In the summer of 2009 however I began to experience many painful gastrointestinal symptoms. When the fires of "revitalization ministry" blazed most (for example note this, this, or this) my stomach often "flared up" as well. My "Timothy ailments" included internal burning, regurgitation, constant gnawing stomach pain, and massive abdominal bloating all of which resulted in weight loss (thirty pounds over four years) and at times radical restrictions in diet (hence the weight loss) to help manage the chronic pain. After a particularly painful season where I experienced my own "Black Tuesday" I was only able to stomach Ensure and a few other liquid food items. During these painful seasons I sometimes found it quite laborious just to make it through the day. By the grace of God I never missed a day of work and pressed in gospel service.
