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The Ministry of Health and Healing
When the crisis is passed and success is apparent, let a few
moments be spent with the patient in prayer. Give expression to
your thankfulness for the life that has been spared. As words of
gratitude flow from the patient to the physician, let the praise and
thanksgiving be directed to God. Tell the patient his life has been
spared because he was under the heavenly Physician’s protection.
Physicians who follow such a course are leading their patients
to the One upon whom they are dependent for life, the One who can
save to the uttermost all who come to Him.
Into the medical missionary work should be brought a deep
yearning for souls. To the physician equally with the gospel minister
is committed the highest trust ever committed to humans. Whether
he or she realizes it, every physician is entrusted with the cure of
souls.
In their work of dealing with disease and death, physicians too
often lose sight of the solemn realities of the future life. In their
earnest effort to avert the peril of the body, they forget the peril of
the soul. The ones to whom they are ministering may be losing their
hold on life. Life’s last opportunities are slipping away. These souls
the physician must meet again at the judgment seat of Christ.
Often we miss the most precious blessings by neglecting to speak
a word in season. If the golden opportunity is not watched for, it will
be lost. At the bedside of the sick no word of creed or controversy
should be spoken. Let the sufferer be pointed to the One who is
willing to save all who come to Him in faith. Earnestly, tenderly
strive to help the soul that is hovering between life and death.
Physicians who know that Christ is their personal Savior, because
they themselves have been led to the Refuge, know how to deal with
the trembling, guilty, sin-sick souls who turn to them for help. They
can respond to the inquiry, “What must I do to be saved?” They
can tell the story of the Redeemer’s love. They can speak from
experience of the power of repentance and faith. In simple, earnest
words they can present the soul’s need to God in prayer and can
encourage the sick one also to ask for and accept the mercy of the
compassionate Savior. As they thus minister at the bedside of the
sick, trying to speak words that will bring help and comfort, the
Lord works with them and through them. As the mind of the sufferer
is directed to the Savior, peace fills the heart, and the spiritual health