MEDICAL MEANS

“...He [God] devise means...”

(2 Sam. 24:14)

A friend texted me recently to update me on his son's physical condition. He had gone through medical procedures such as MRI, as well as taking medications. I texted him back, “Thank God for His providential means.” There has always been an elite segment of Christianity that frowns on the medical world, believing only in prayer and not using the means available, not realizing prayer itself is a means.

Most certainly we are to seek God first in healing; it can be disastrous not to. Just ask Asa (2 Chr. 16:12). James is most emphatic along this line. But God can be in the means as well as the miracle. The natural becomes supernatural when God is in it. Thus, the means in such cases becomes a miracle. A Christian doctor told me once that no medical procedure works if God does not bless it. If not, these are simply physicians without any healing power.

But on the other hand we must remember the greatest Physician who ever lived said, “They that are sick...need a physician.” Paul’s constant companion was the beloved doctor Luke. And he told young Timothy, with his stomach problems, to use a little wine for it. We are even told, in heaven, God uses the leaves of a tree for the healing of the nations.

Jesus healed directly when on earth, but also used means for healing on various occasions. To cite just one case, He made clay and put it upon a blind man’s eyes. And let us not forget, it was God who performed the first surgical operation; it was on Adam. He certainly did not need the means of a knife. He could have removed the rib without the operation.

Oh, beloved, don’t let some pseudo saint shame you for using the means God has put at your disposal. If after prayer and seeking God, you’re no better, then seek out the means. This has been my custom throughout the years but, as they say, to each his own.

“Weather by miracle or means God is to be glorified! One way or the other.

(rds)