Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
by Pastor Paul M. Sadler
“Though a grace believer, one of my brothers recently denounced the medical profession’s ability to help those suffering from mental illness. He denounces any form of medication. He said that he believes only our beloved physician, Jesus Christ, could heal such ‘defects of the spirit.’ This man has suffered terribly all his life. Can you tell me please, is this his own belief or one that the BBS would also endorse? He will listen to you and I beg you to enlighten all of us.”
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul instructed Timothy:
“Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities” (I Tim. 5:23).
The apostle clearly wanted Timothy to use a little wine for medicinal purposes to ease the problems he was having with his stomach—and to treat his other afflictions. Paul himself was ministered to by Luke, “the beloved physician,” who attended to the apostle’s eye infirmity (II Cor. 12:7-10; Gal. 4:13-15 cf. Col. 4:14; II Tim. 4:11). We too should avail ourselves of whatever is at our disposal to address the particular health issues we are facing. God would have us to be judicious in preserving our health.
We would highly recommend that your brother seek out medical attention as soon as possible. Many times the chemical messaging of the brain is merely malfunctioning. Like diabetes, many mental disorders are often successfully treated with medication. This should be done in conjunction with the assistance of a godly pastor who can provide the needed spiritual support. The counsel of the Word of God at such times is indispensable. With God’s help, we are confident that your brother can live a productive and fruitful life for the Lord. The apostle says in II Corinthians 1:3:
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.”
Surely God has been merciful in allowing medical science to understand more fully the complexities of the human body, which is a demonstration of the wonders of His handiwork. Therefore, we believe it is prudent to utilize this mercy to relieve our pain and suffering. It is indeed true that Christ is still the Great Physician; and sometimes, He does intervene to heal our infirmities (Phil. 2:27). But today in the administration of Grace, this is the exception, not the rule. More often than not, His grace is sufficient (II Cor. 12:9).
Today's Devotional Sponsor:
DAILY SMILE...
Lemonade
One afternoon I pulled into my driveway and saw a sign in my yard: "Lemonade 25 cents." My little entrepreneurs, Meredith and Andrew, took a short break to give me a hug. Then it was right back to their customers.
"What will you kids buy with all your earnings?" I asked "How about we go out tonight for ice cream?" Before they could answer, some potential customers came up the street.
"Get your lemonade here," Meredith five, called to them. "We're raising money for the poor"
I was more than a little taken aback. "The poor?" I asked.
My son explained that the contribution for the poor had been stolen from church. "We can get ice cream another time," he said. "This money is for people who really need it."
I was never so proud. The stolen money was certainly a case of sour lemons. My kids took those lemons, added a heaping spoonful of kindness, and came up with the sweetest lemonade.
- from Da Mouse Tracks
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