For many years since being in the medical field, I have said, “Medicine goes so far, and GOD does the rest!” It’s not an original quote of mine, but it is a slightly changed version from one of my favorite movies, “The Notebook.”
Noah Calhoun, the husband to Allie, was being examined by the doctor in the nursing home where Allie was being cared for. Noah, not wanting to be separated from his sweetheart, chose to stay there as well. The doctor was perplexed a bit why Noah would stay in the facility as his wife was demented, and he was still relatively healthy. As the progressively deteriorating disease was being explained to Noah, Allie was playing the piano just down the hallway from the exam room. When Noah realized she had quit playing, he became agitated that someone had not turned the page for her. The doctor tried to convince him that this was just the beginning of many other things to diminish as her memory faded; Noah heard the piano keys ring out and fill the hallway once more with what felt like a fragrance of hope. He turned to the doctor, explaining she was playing now from memory, and said, “Science only goes so far; then comes God.”
When I watched my sister give birth to my oldest niece, I knew nursing was where my heart belonged. To be able to help someone in their most vulnerable moments was intriguing to me. I love to study the body, why it does what it does, and how it does what it does. Nursing is twofold. There is a side of it that learns about the body, organs, systems, and functions. Then the side that cares for the emotional needs of the patient. I guess you could call it the brains and the heart.
To think that I, along with many others, will have spent the vast majority of our lives learning and implementing our knowledge to help heal others, and it took God just moments to create is such a mindblowing thought.
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”
Genesis 2:7 New King James Version The Woman’s Study Bible
A moment. Some dust. His breath. Unfathomable to me at times.
Throughout my career of almost 20 years in the medical field, there have been instances that could be explained just as if they came directly from the textbook pages. And then there have been instances that make absolutely no sense. There are no explanations for it. But God…
When the test results come back bleak. When the report says it is cancer, there is nothing else we can do. When you have pain, that won’t go away no matter what you do. When anxiety overwhelms you to the point that you can’t catch your breath. Remember Medicine goes so far and God does the rest.
He will meet you at the well. He will ask if it was you that touched the hem of His garment. He will stop your bleeding. He will tell you to pick up your mat and walk. He will bring sight back into your eyes. He will tell you to rest while He carries you.
He will renew your strength. He will mount you up on the wings of an eagle and soar. He will do abundantly and exceeding more than you could ask, think, or imagine. He knows His plans for you- for your good and for you to prosper. He will go before you and make a way when there seems no way. He will lean into you as you lean into Him. He will answer when you call and open the door when you knock. He will be the strength you need in your weakness.
Wait on the Lord. Call upon the name of JESUS. Be healed by HIS blood that was shed for you and me. Trust His plan and will. Be appreciative of what the medical personnel is doing as they are being the hands and feet of Jesus, but remember- Medicine goes so far, and GOD does the rest!!!
