October 30, 2009

Calling the Great Physician

"On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'"

Mark 2:17 (NIV)

Devotion:

Recently I came down with an infection. After ten days of misery, I finally went to see a doctor and was diagnosed with bronchitis. Feeling much better after a few days of antibiotics, I wished I had sought out a physician's help sooner, preventing all those days of unnecessary suffering!

As I considered my stubbornness in deciding to call on a doctor, I thought about how our walk with Christ is often just like that.

For example, we have problems in our lives, but we think we are qualified to handle them ourselves. We have burdens, but we assume we can carry the weight on our own. We have questions, but don't really trust God to supply the answers. We need help, but stubbornly refuse to ask.

Some people call God the "The Great Physician." Although we think of this in terms of physical healing, Jesus walked the earth to provide something more: spiritual healing.

In Mark 2:13-17, the Pharisees asked Jesus why He was eating with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus explained that He came so we would know Him, and be healed from the inside out. You see, if the world were a righteous place, there would have been no need for a Savior. But God knew just how much we needed a Great Physician. Out of compassion for us, He sent His Son to fill that role. In order to tap into His healing power, we simply have to seek Him. And the sooner, the better.

In another recent situation, I quickly and desperately sought God's intervention. A few days later, I happened to notice I felt a peace I could not explain. In fact, I was confused as to why I was so calm. I thought to myself, "Why am I not obsessing about that problem every second? Why am I not more distraught and worried?"

Then God quickened my heart and reminded me that I had turned that problem over to Him. He had taken the weight off of my shoulders. He had given me spiritual healing in the form of peace.

I had sought a cure from the Great Physician, and He had provided it. Not a cure for the problem, but a cure for my heart as I dealt with the problem under His care.

If you need a physician who knows your suffering, understands how you are feeling, and has the cure, make an appointment to spend time with God today.

Dear Lord, forgive me for sometimes coming to You for help only after I have exhausted all efforts to handle the problem on my own. Please fill me with a peace that surpasses all understanding in the situations I am facing. Grant me spiritual healing, and help me see You working in and through me. Thank You for always being available and on call. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Confessions of a Good Christian Girl: The Secrets Women Keep and the Grace that Saves Them by Tammy Maltby

Visit Tracie's blog - Seeking Peace in God's Will

Application Steps:

Put God on your virtual speed dial - make a commitment to call Him every morning.

Reflections:

Is my heart and spirit in need of some spiritual healing?

What specific sins in my life desperately require God's intervention? Have I asked Him recently to intervene?

Power Verses:

2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (NIV)

Philippians 4:7, "Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (NLT)

Jeremiah 17:14, "Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org

Originally published Friday, 30 October 2009.