67. A Divine Helper
Today’s reading: “The Ministry of Healing” pp. 117, 118.
God’s purpose for us is that we shall ever move upward.
This reinforces yesterday’s call for physicians to strive, diligently for efficiency, knowledge, skill and discernment by constantly taking advantage of every opportunity to learn more.
Nurses and the under-qualified, by the same attitude and working under skilled physicians, “may in time become fully qualified for the work of a physician”.
The second point is that talented, professional physicians are to “educate and train others to become medical missionaries”.
Thirdly, the driving motive in the physician’s life is a Bible “religion” of growing grace and “power to overcome evil”. This motive is built by consecration, diligence, heart searching and self-discipline.
This is a very different physician to the medicos we know today. The idea here seems to be about God’s excellence in education, wisdom and power being passed on to empower other workers and to reassure patients.
Fellowship with Christ, even being “under the control” and direction of Christ for wisdom and clearness of thought, ensures safely in even life-threatening, difficult cases safely pass.
What is the physician to convey to the patient?
- that they must cooperate with God’s healing
- God will empower treatment that harmonises with His laws
- that the physician loves and fears God
- God can bring them through when they trust Him
- “inspire faith in a sympathising Saviour”
All of this is done through prayer both private and with the patient.
