By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
My aversion to the medical profession began when I was just a toddler. Office visits often ended in one of three ways: rebuke, pain, or embarrassment—all of which I deemed unpleasant.
While I have no clear memory of sticking dried peas up my nose when I was two, I do remember the doctor’s reprimand after my second trip to get them removed. The pediatrician’s scolding must have left a pretty big impression. (Mom said I never did it again.)
Trips to the doctor’s office grew more traumatic with the progression of age. I couldn’t understand why my mom would allow a total stranger to not only see, but to also poke around my practically naked body. As if that wasn’t enough, healthy or sick, most visits ended with a shot—booster or otherwise.
It wasn’t until I became and adult and had children of my own that I began to truly appreciate the value of frequent visits to the doctor. Chronic allergies, infected tonsils, asthma, scarlet fever, and pneumonia were a few of the ailments for which our kids needed treatment. I was extremely grateful to have each physician’s recommendation, treatment, and help.
I’ve come to realize that pain, discomfort, and embarrassment (while not particularly enjoyable) are a part of life.
Our LORD answers to many names: Shepherd, Creator, and Bread of Life. But the attributes of God that I cling to most, especially when I’m feeling down and out, are those associated with this title— Great Physician.
The LORD comforts, heals, and binds up our wounds. He lifts up our head when we are weary or despised. And yes, sometimes the Great Physician, motivated by love, allows us to experience pain, discipline, and even embarrassment. He allows these uncomfortable situations to come into our lives in hopes of warding off future heartache or greater discomfort down the road.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:10-11)
“[God] said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26)
Have you spent adequate time with the Great Physician today and received your daily dose of God’s Word?
Take it from someone who knows… An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
