Saturday, April 1, 2017
Building People of Substance for Works of Power
A little help may be necessary, Amigos.
We are people of faith. We are saved from sin by faith in the work of Jesus Christ. We also believe that God has provided healing for us in that same redemptive work. Many of us have had startling and profound experiences with divine healing. In some circles, it is considered just a bit “unspiritual” to turn to physicians for help. For many of us, however, it has been necessary from time to time to get some natural help. I have personally experienced healing from God with and without the help of medicine. I stood for twenty years for 20/20 vision. Then God spoke to someone to pay for a surgical procedure that brought the promise to fruition. Thank God, He gets the credit either way. I want to say this as emphatically as possible: It is OK to go to the doctor. Don’t let pride or condemnation or fear cause you to sit around in misery.
Keys for going to the doctor successfully:
1. The doctor is on your side. He wants you to be well, and if he doesn’t think he can make you well, he will try to do what he can to make you comfortable or to prolong your life. Many health care professionals see their job as a calling, and have devoted years to preparation. James 1:17
2. Find a doctor you trust. If you don’t have a doctor who you know has your best interest at heart, then you need a different doctor. Talk to other believers and get a name from someone in whom you have confidence. Proverbs 11:14
3. Go to the doctor in faith. Pray and ask the Lord to give him wisdom to give you good information. When you are there, listen to him and to your own heart. You are still led by the Spirit, not your doctor. Romans 8:14
4. Don’t argue with your doctor. It doesn’t matter if he believes you are healed. He is not who you have to convince. He is simply relaying his best understanding of the natural facts. James 3:16-18
5. Be kind and respectful. You are under no obligation to do what he suggests, but you are under a biblical mandate to be kind. If the doctor gives you some news you don’t like, don’t yell at him. It is fine to say, “Thank you. I am going to take some time and consult my family, my Pastor, and the Lord, then make a decision.” Proverbs 29:22-23
6. Be prepared. If you are in great pain, groggy form lack of sleep, or under the influence of medications of some kind, take someone with you to help you listen accurately. Make a written list of questions before you go and refer to it in your appointment. Don’t trust your memory under the stress of the physician’s presence. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
7. Talk to the spiritual authorities in your life. This is a big decision, and you are under the stress of physical symptoms. Allow the pastoral gift to speak into your life. If you are married, include your spouse in this conversation. (If you don’t have a pastor, find one.) Hebrews 13:17
8. Lean on the power of agreement. Once you are settled on a course of action, get in agreement with your church family and let them help you carry the faith load. If you choose treatment such as medications, surgeries or physical therapies, believe that the technicians are anointed and that God moves through them to help your body recover. Matthew 18:19
Scripture Reading: When Jesus heard this, He said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” (Matthew 9:12 NLT)
God is the Healer. Medical science is available to help us when we have symptoms that make us uncomfortable, or when our faith is stretched as far as it will go. There is no condemnation in using it. Jesus said sick people need a doctor. The key is to be wise, hear God, and believe God no matter what course you choose. Let’s quit arguing and start getting healed!
Pastor Virgil L. Stokes
Faith Christian Fellowship of Tucson
3141 W. Ironwood Hill Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85745
www.fcftucson.org
Office: 520-792-3238
Our Tuesday Evening services are focused on faith and healing. Check us out at www.fcftucson.org
pastorvirgil.com 