Friday, January 18, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

 

A Medical Breakthrough

 

Psalm 107:19-20

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress.  He sent out His word and healed them.

 

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Apparently, there is substantial medical evidence backing up this popular Welsh saying. Apples have been credited to promote health by aiding the immune system, reducing cholesterol, reducing tooth decay, protecting brain cells from disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease and more.

 

We know the power of an apple a day, but what MORE can a prayer a day do! There is an extensive amount of research that has been done on the health benefits of PRAYER! According to a Duke study, lower blood pressure is attributed to prayer. Dartmouth Medical Center reports that praying is one of the best predictors of survival among heart patients. Other studies have concluded that prayer has been attributed to quicker recoveries from depression, strokes, hip surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, heart attacks, bypass surgery, and alcoholism.

 

Today's scripture confirms that we do have a loving Father who is waiting for us to cry out to Him in PRAYER, and by doing so, He is willing to save us from our troubles and heal us. This is such a comforting thought and should bring hope to the prayerful believer's situation.

 

As I reflected on this, I was reminded of how easily my young grandchildren are comforted when hurt and crying simply by us picking them up and hugging them tightly.   If only we could have the faith of a child in our times of need! Just as I am sure we all lovingly respond to our children or grandchildren, know that our healing Father is ALWAYS available to us! 

 

I challenge you to cry out to the Lord whenever you are faced with a need in your life. Go to Him with the innocent faith of a child believing that He IS the One who promises in Exodus 23:25 to "take away sickness from among you." Believe in your heart that He loves us and that He IS always available to pick us up in His arms to comfort us when we cry out to Him!

 

Dear Lord, I come to you with a grateful heart for Your healing power.  It is so reassuring to know that You are available to us in our moments of weakness and times of need. I thank You that while You have created wonderful doctors and medical advances, You are the ultimate Healer!

 

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen