A Firm Place to Stand
by Dawn Okrasinski
Monday - 11.9.2020
The doctor regarded the young woman sitting on the exam table from over the top of his reading glasses. Her blond hair falling around a bowed head.
“If you had diabetes and I prescribed insulin, you’d take it, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course, I would.” She looked up and stared at something beyond his right shoulder.
“If you had cancer and needed immediate medical intervention you would agree, yes?
The woman met his eyes. “Those are real medical diagnoses. Those are different.”
“Why?” The doctor asked taking off his glasses and giving her a warm smile.
“Because what I am dealing with is not medical. It is a spiritual attack. A weakness of faith.” Her tone sounded bitter to him. “I am only here because my employer sent me.” She slid from the table, shouldered her purse, and walked out of his exam room: diagnosed PTSD and depression in tow.
The symptomatology of mental illness and all its travails can be a double edged sword for a Christian. The age-old debate, along with the bias surrounding the argument, has kept many from receiving the very treatment they need. A brain chemistry imbalance or spiritual warfare? We Christians do have a side and an opinion. There are many who struggle in silence because they do not want to feel separate from the love of their church. They see this as a personal failure. Others have felt the sting of stigma in well-meaning advice sought by mentors, pastors, and family.
Like David crying out to God for relief from his enemies, the slings and arrows of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and incessant rumination are real and debilitating. Also like King David, God hears our pleas. Sometimes healing or the casting out of our so-called “demons” looks quite different from the miracles in Acts, but they are miracles nonetheless.
A wise woman of God asked this question of me: What if what you are praying for has been offered to you, but you have turned it away because it does not look like the hand of God? She then told me the story of the drowning man who cried out for God to save him only to pass up a boat, a dock, and a helicopter waiting for God to appear. When he died, he asked God why he was not saved from drowning. God lovingly pointed out, He sent a boat, a dock and a helicopter. Perhaps a modified version of discipleship might be offered. Apostles, appearing in the form of a gentle understanding doctor, the embrace of a compassionate Christian woman offering hope through her own story, or the balance of physiology via medication. No matter what conduit the Holy Spirit chooses, we can take heart that answered prayer, anchored firmly with the word of God, arm us when our real battle with body chemistry leaves us open to real warfare. God is a firm rock to stand.
Call to Action
Take some time this week to pray, read each scripture and reflect on it.
Psalms 40: 1-3 (NIV) I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Reflections
Today we are faced with demands we never dreamt would challenge us. Whether you are elderly and alone or juggling children, job, and marriage, the stress is real. We are not weak for reaching out for support. We are made stronger for acknowledging we may need help. Seek out apostles who can help and make connections this week with someone from your building, church or neighborhood. Take advantage of the support around you that is offered.
The Holy Spirit can do amazing work through you and your own journey. Reflect on the scriptures above. How could you be used to help another who may be suffering today? If you are encouraged through the spirit to reach out, don’t hesitate.
How has God blessed you with answers to prayer? Did you recognize the blessing at the time?
