Should Christians consult medical doctors?

There was once an old lady who lived alone in a remote area. Her little guesthouse had a persistent roof leak; she didn't know how to repair it, so she prayed and asked God for a miracle. A few hours after praying she heard a knock on the door, she answered to find a young man who appeared to have lost his way. As they talked about the directions, she offered him a warm drink and a free nights stay because he looked exhausted, and was too late to be driving on those dark, murky roads. He noticed the roof leak and insisted on repairing it because he was very grateful for her kindness. She couldn’t stop praising God because she knew that God had answered her prayer by sending a carpenter right to her door step.

Just as pastors were called to help save souls, also plumbers, doctors, and many other professions were chosen for their calling. The initial treatment for sickness or emotional wounds is "Faith"; trust that Christ has healed you, whatever the healing process entails, even if it means consulting a doctor while praying for healing. Ultimately healing and victory comes from God, not from the resources. Similarly to missionaries, they plant and water the seed but God does the growth.

Doctors have God given purpose

Even though God is the one that heals, and saving souls, and he provided the talent and skills for carpenter to repair the roof. God gives mankind "purpose," a medical doctor, as well as a pastor's purpose is to help heal, save lives, it is their God given purpose, and they cannot do it without God (Deuteronomy 32:39). God has also provided us with resources like wholesome fruits and vegetables. All of the medical professionals' knowledge is derived from God’s creation. My medical doctor is a devout Christian who would tell you that every healing is a work of God and that she received her medical skills and wisdom directly from our Almighty God. Doctors are fully aware that they cannot do what they do without God and the wisdom He imparts. Deuteronomy 32:39 “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand”.

God created all the ingredients found in our medication

Ezekiel 47:12 And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

1 Timothy 5:23: No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your often infirmities.

God has the final say

While medical doctors can help provide healing to a certain extent, God ultimately has the final say. In 2 Kings 20:1-11 God gave Hezekiah a chance to life despite asking Hezekiah to add medicine to his wound in 2 Kings 20:7 "Take a cake of figs.” And they took it and placed it on the inflamed spot, and he recovered" - However God decided how many more years to add to Hezekiah's life. Deuteronomy 32:39 “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand”.

Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counsellors there is victory

Don't let confusion keep you from seeking professional medical help. God is our ultimate healer no matter what road you take to heal. Your doctor also has a testimony to share about your healing. Luke, the author of the gospel of Luke and the book of "Acts," knew the power of Christ yet he was a physician (Colossians 4:14).

Jesus Christ acknowledges the value of medical doctors, when Pharisees questioned Jesus in Matthew 9 as to why He spent time with ‘sinners’. He responded with an analogy, "The sick are the ones who need a doctor, not the healthy" (Matthew 9:12).

Together with the help of Doctors, trust in our Lord Jesus Christ for healing, He nailed sickness to the cross:

Numbers 21:8-9 “And the Lord said to Moses, Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live. So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live”

Matthew 26:28 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”.

1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.

Continue to pray and have faith in God for your healing

Remember to fast and pray for your health. You don't have to abstain from food, but you can fast from anything that causes you to lose touch with God, whether it is your ‘attitude’, or negative words, or even something as simple as giving up the use of technology.

Once you are healed don't forget to look after your body. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, do everything you can, spiritually, emotionally and physically to care for your body. Strive to regularly exercise, follow a healthy balanced diet, go for routine medical checks, and most importantly, don't forget to THANK GOD FOR YOUR HEALING, remain humble, praise God all the time, in all circumstances.

God bless you

~Natlie Loots~