Trusting Is The Best Medicine For Uncertainty

Trusting Is The Best Medicine For Uncertainty

While he was still speaking to her, a messenger arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. He told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.” But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.” When they arrived at the house, Jesus wouldn’t let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, James, and the little girl’s father and mother. The house was filled with people weeping and wailing, but he said, “Stop the weeping! She isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died. Then Jesus took her by the hand and said in a loud voice, “My child, get up!” And at that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up! Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were overwhelmed, but Jesus insisted that they not tell anyone what had happened. Luke 8:49-56

The medical system can be filled with uncertainty, and uncertainty often brings fear. As a doctor, a large part of my job is reassuring my patients—whether it’s about the results of a test, the outcome of a needed surgery, or even their fear of death.

I encourage my patients to pray, trust, and believe that Jesus can heal. Many already do, even without my prompting. But too often, trusting Jesus is our last resort. We turn to our faith when nothing else seems to work.

I’ve often wondered if we would see more miraculous healings if we relied on our faith first, rather than last—if we trusted, rather than feared. When we put our faith on a shelf to be used only in times of emergency, does it lose its potency, like expired medications?

One of Jesus’ most common commands is, “Do not be afraid.” The opposite of fear is faith. If we fear the outcome of a test or procedure or if we fear death itself, the antidote is placing our faith in the Great Healer. He has already promised to heal us for all eternity.

TODAY’S RX

Make “faith first, not last” your new motto. Trust God with all your fears and frailties.

Whenever fear grabs hold of me, Lord, help me to call on your name. Calm me and show me that you are in control. Give me faith to believe that nothing can keep me from your great love.