Myth, 88

 ~ I Don’t Need Physicians or Medicines! ~

Myth  ~  Some well meaning but misguided individuals that since God is the Great Physician there is no need to get help from medical doctors or to take prescription medicines.

Reality  ~  God is the Great Physician.  We also live in a fallen world where sin, disease, decay, and illness results.  There is no shame for a Christian to be sick or have maladies of various kinds just like others.  Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the great English preacher who became known as “The Prince of Preachers” suffered with depression throughout most of his life. 

Biblical Perspective  ~  The Bible does teach that we are absolutely dependent upon God for everything including our next breath.  The Bible also teaches our total responsibility and accountability before God. 

2 Old Testament Examples  ~  Hezekiah was confused and reluctant to use the medicines of the day.  “Now Isaiah [a prophet of God] had said, ‘Let them take a lump of figs, and apply it as a poultice on the boil, and he shall recover’ (Isaiah 38:21).  God used a primitive form of medicine to heal but part of the process was the use of current medical technology 

In 2 Kings 5 we find Naaman, who was a leper, being healed by following the directions he was given to bathe in the Jordan River.  He acted upon this advice and was healed.   

2 New Testament Examples  ~  While Jesus could have instantly healed the blind man in John 9 He gave him specific orders to bath in a specific pool after He had applied a mud mixture to his eyes.  Again, we see the necessity of taking personal responsibility and acting.

Paul instructed Timothy to “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23).

A Comprehensive Example  ~  James gives us a multi-tasking perspective regarding the healing of physical conditions.  “Is anyone among you sick?  Let him [1] call for the elders of the church, and let them [2] pray over him, [3] anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the [2b] prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.  And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  [4] Confess your trespasses to one another, and [2c] pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The [2d] effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:14-16).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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