Medicine or Faith?

by Melissa J | More from this Blogger

06 Nov 2006 01:26 AM

For some proclaimed Christians, seeking certain types of medical treatment and using various types of medicines can be viewed as a lack in faith or believed to be against God's plan. There are people who prefer to avoid many medications because of the unknown future complications that could arise. The Bible show us some medications used during its history:

• Wine used to numb pain (Proverbs 23:35)

• Ointment to sooth (Isaiah 1:6, Luke 10:34)

• Figs to treat a boil (2 Kings 20:7, Isaiah 38:21)

• Leaves used for medicine (Ezekiel 47:12)

• Jesus recognized physicians (Matthew 9:11)

• Wine with myrrh for pain (Mark 15:23)

• Drink wine for stomach and infirmities (1 Timothy 5:23)

Granted medicines today are much more complicated than the ones used prior to the 20th century. Nonetheless, it is my personal belief that although we live in a fallen world, God was gracious to provide medicines to help us when used properly. We really ought to be careful not to assume it is the medicine that is healing us, but rather God, the giver of wisdom and all good things. He has created our bodies in such a way to heal-even with the aid of medicines.

As a person who believes that the Holy Spirit is with us today, I know God is capable of healing without medicine supernaturally and mysteriously. I am very concerned when I hear of those who think they can believe their healing into existence. I've noticed some become so focused on the belief for the healing that they lose sight of the Healer Himself. People do receive various healings with faith and by the power of the Holy Spirit. It's totally up to God as to what kind of healing is taking place though. I've written a blog that goes into much more detail on this called God's Healing Power.

I really think moderation is a key here. Who are we to close any doors on God? If He wants us to seek help from a doctor or use medicine as a tool toward our healing, then praise Him! He is still the one who ultimately heals us.

Please visit some related blogs:

Starving Spiritually

Fear and Anxiety

God Cares about Your Mental Health

Depression

Cutting Behaviors and Self-Destructive Thoughts

When to Say Enough is Enough

Learn more about Melissa J

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Laura S (663) 06 Nov 2006 07:27 AM

Great article!!! I, too, believe that God has provided all medicine as a tool to help heal us. (Although, the tool can be misused--we knew someone who was addicted prescription painkillers.) I also know Christians who feel that they must attempt to treat everything with "natural" remedies.

writes2encourage (84) 06 Nov 2006 07:52 AM

I couldn't agree more. I have had christians wagging fingers in my face while giving me painstaking lectures on my choice concerning medication and my special needs children. I resisted medication for them until every other venue had been examined and the medicine turned out to be the only thing that helped. I do believe that many parents use medication instead of love and disciple for their children but that does not mean that all of us should be berated.

writes2encourage (84) 06 Nov 2006 07:53 AM

I couldn't agree more. I have had christians wagging fingers in my face while giving me painstaking lectures on my choice concerning medication and my special needs children. I resisted medication for them until every other venue had been examined and the medicine turned out to be the only thing that helped. I do believe that many parents use medication instead of love and discipline for their children but that does not mean that all of us should be berated.

writes2encourage (84) 06 Nov 2006 07:56 AM

sorry about the double message!!