Author and pastor John MacArthur told attendees of a church leadership conference Friday that he is on the "last lap" of his life and lost some of his strength during a lengthy stay in the hospital -- but added that he feels "great" and desires to return to the pulpit.

MacArthur, 85, made the comments during a video address to attendees of the Shepherds Conference, an annual event for men in church leadership held on the campus of Grace Community Church in California, where he has served as pastor since 1969. Although his name was on the March 7 schedule, he was unable to attend.

MacArthur has been recovering from a multi-week hospital stay that prevented him from preaching. He is best known for his books, commentaries, and Grace to You broadcasts.

"I just know how much I miss being at Shepherds Conference. I love the fellowship. I love the preaching. I especially love the singing -- every aspect of it. And the camaraderie and fellowship of meeting people is always a highlight," MacArthur said during his video address.

"Thank you for your prayers, thank you for your faithfulness and being a part of Shepherds Conference. I'll be praying for you and asking the Lord to bless in an unusual way and sharpen all of us for whatever the Lord has for us in the future.

"I realize I'm on the last lap -- that takes on a new meaning when you know you're on the short end of the candle," he said. "But I am all thanks and praise to God for everything He's allowed me to be a part of, and everything he's accomplished by His Word in these years of ministry."

MacArthur's voice was weaker than it was when he last preached at Grace Community Church on November 24. During that sermon, he described how he had endured three heart surgeries in previous months.

After that sermon, he was hospitalized again.

In his video address, MacArthur described the Shepherds Conference as the highlight of his year. Although he was not able to speak in person, attendees nevertheless received his sermon in printed form as part of a booklet.

"So you have to know my disappointment in coming to you through video. It really came down to being the only option, because I haven't had such a speedy recovery as I hoped to have," he said. "I feel great. I just lost a lot of strength by being seven weeks in the hospital. I mean, it's the hospital that can kill you. You can survive the illness. If you can survive the hospital, then you've won on every level. It took a toll on me physically, so I'm seeing physical therapists and trainers and trying to get back as soon as possible."

Source