God is Not My Medicine

Twenty years ago, when I first started attending Sunday service at Cori’s church – and before we were married – I was surprised each week by the number of people in church who got emotional and the number who asked for prayer. To be honest, I became a bit cynical about it. Questions of judgment filled my head. Was their life really that bad? Was their health really in crisis? Were all the tears, crying out, falling out, and prayer really necessary?

Over the next two years, I joined the church and Cori and I got married. And a message of wisdom by our pastors was communicated regularly. In regards to not understanding someone else’s plight, the message was simply, “Keep on living.”

Fast forward to three years ago: My life was unforgettably changed. My wife dealt with a significant health issue, three other family members or friends experienced serious health challenges, and I quit taking care of my physical and mental health. I had reached the “keep on living” moment that my pastors had talked about.

During the past three years, I’ve cried more than I ever had before. I’ve truly felt and understood what it’s like to walk in someone else’s footsteps. And, I’ve communicated with and praised God at another level. I have learned that “keep on living” can be scary. But, I’ve also learned that God is always with me.

I appreciate my wife more completely these days. With her research and routines, she helps me to keep improving my physical and mental health through diet, exercise, supplements, self-care, and being connected to God.

From these recent experiences, the most important thing I know is this: God is not my medicine. Our western healthcare system is based on medicine that treats symptoms. God does not simply treat our symptoms.

God is a healer.

Matthew 9:20-22 (The Message)
Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.” Jesus turned—caught her at it. Then he reassured her: “Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you’re well.” The woman was well from then on.

Author: Chris

Picture: Freepik