hOsPiTaLiZeD

So, in the many hours that I've spent in the hospital visiting this weekend, I've had some thoughts:

-Why do we have a hospital if we don't believe in the power of healing that is ultimately from the Lord?

-Would medicine work without Jesus? I mean think about it, some meds work for some people-some for others. It is the same thing with surgery. I am going to go out on a limb and say that there is NO medication that has fully worked 100% of the time. Why not? Is there a higher power in control... or just coincidence?

-Does God sometimes put people in the hospital so he can have communication with his children? Seems that we pray without ceasing especially when we have loved ones in serious health conditions... maybe it's His way of drawing us to communicate with him.

-Why do we wait until someone is sick and dying to go pay a visit, send a call, or give a small gift?

-What is it about a hospital that similarizes a church building? Everyone there feels like family. Esp the ones who you see each visit that have loved ones laying in rooms right next to your loved ones. All the sudden, you get to know people and hear their lives. It's almost like it's his way of drawing us to community like we should do anyways.

-What about the impact just visitors do? Just because I am laying in a hospital bed and one of my saved friends is praying her heart out, one of my unsaved or struggling friends is inspired to know the Lord more or seek him more affectionately? Seems our impacts are usually not as heavy?

-When my grandfather in his 80's is getting fed by his adult children, he all the sudden resembles identically a newborn baby=completely helpless on his own. Hm... funny how life works? What about our Spiritual life? Isn't that how we would be (completely helpless and bonded to sin) without our Savior?

-The first words a man says when being asleep for 8 days, when he comes to consciousness is Jesus Christ. hm... What other name is worthy to be said?

-Life is so precious... why do we need hard times to remind us of them? Sometimes, it's too late.

James 5:14-15 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to PRAY over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.

Notice: It’s the “prayer offered in faith” that works. Not just wishful prayers for healing, but the prayer of faith.

Matthew 8:16-17 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and HEALED ALL the sick. [17] This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “HE took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.”

Mark 1:40-41 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” [41] Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I AM WILLING,” he said. “Be clean!”

Mark 16:17-18 And these signs will accompany those WHO BELIEVE: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in tongues; [18] they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Acts 3:2, 6, 16 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.... [6] Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but WHAT I HAVE I GIVE YOU. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ...[16] BY FAITH IN THE NAME OF JESUS, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this COMPLETE healing to him, as you can all see.

Ephesians 6:18 (New American Standard Bible)
18With all (A)prayer and petition (B)pray at all times (C)in the Spirit, and with this in view, (D)be on the alert with all (E)perseverance and (F)petition for all the saints,

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (New American Standard Bible)
17(A)pray without ceasing;

Earlier in the week, I was holding an infant at work. I had been reading about the Creation in Genesis and how God made Adam and then breathed life into him. So, I imagined this baby I was holding just as it is. All God did to create man was breathe life into him. WOW. Just one single breath. When I saw my mother spoon feeding my Grandbuddy this weekend, he resembled this newborn baby. As a baby we are completely helpless and dependent on others. However, at 80 we could end up the same way? Hm...
19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."

One last thought from friend of mine... In this hospital, I would love to be a witness in my final hour as I lay on a bed. Many doctors have hardened their hearts so they can better fulfill their duties. So, what if God uses a dying individual in the hospital to reach out to these doctors/nurses. I mean, who is really dead and hospitalized to sin?

HOSPITALS- sure make you think.