Is our Great Physician on Leave?

Telemedicine is a great way to have our minds eased from the comfort of our homes. Recently, my doctor and I had a visit this way after some tests were run. But today I’m wondering if we think our Great Physician is too busy for us and our only solution is Telemedicine or a trip for an in-person visit to our doctor(s). When I am out of sorts or some body part is acting up, I have such assurance that I can call upon my Great Physician -- 24/7! I do what I can do – right along with calling upon Him. I stay hydrated. I adhere to safe health practices. I get plenty of rest and sleep. I keep my mind fixed on who God says I am. And, even during the pandemic, I have made it a practice – especially if I get a little scratchy throat to gargle with warm salted water. I read that early on and from what the Bible says about purifying salt water, I’m thinking it’s a great health practice. I read that salt doesn’t cure Covid but gargling salt water or using it to irrigate nasal passages can help reduce symptoms. Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security says it works by drawing fluid from inflamed tissues, thereby reducing swelling. It also helps break up mucus, and thus can remove bacteria and other irritants from the throat. Above all, I am so grateful that I know my Great Physician is on call 24/7. I remember calling on His name, “Jesus, Jesus” when my babies and grandbabies ran a fever or had a cold. Time and again, He showed up for us. If you try to convince me otherwise, you’re too late. That “healing” bus left the building when my little girl, diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, was completely healed; my baby son’s feet became normal after having severe club feet. Stomach aches and headaches and my own paralyzing hand pain – left our building (our bodies). But here’s the thing. I don’t just call upon my Great Physician when I need healing. He and I have a “thing” going on. We personally know each other, and I cultivate that friendship – that companionship -- that Father/daughter relationship. I personally know Him. He is my best and most loyal, dependable Lord and Savior. He has bedside manners that assure me of His faithfulness. I’m not suggesting that we do away with medicine, but I am suggesting that our first “go-to” in times of illness or stress or any other challenge we face….is calling on our Great Physician, our on-call Savior. I just happen to be His “assistant” today and handing over to you some “prescriptions” He gave us from His Word. You’re welcome. • "Worship the LORD your God, and His blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you…" Exodus 23:25 • "Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering…..and by His wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5 • "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD." Jeremiah 30:17 • "My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body." Proverbs 4:20-22 • "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 I call on our Great Physician and He answers my call morning, noon, and night. His reputation is impeccable AND He is always in town, never on vacation and He shows up when we need Him most. May I refer Him to you today?