I regularly pray for my doctor’s salvation, and that God would use me in his life, even though I only get to see him a couple times a year. Who knows, I may be the only Christ-follower he acquainted with. When we moved over to this part of town a few years ago I prayed about switching doctors. You see, not only do I like my doctor as a good doctor, but I consider every relationship as one God has put me in, and therefore it is His prerogative to direct the continuation of any relationship. Even though it would mean a 50 mile round trip drive, I felt God wanted me to continue seeing my same doctor after our move. I have had some good spiritual conversations with him and we have been pretty friendly with one another; I felt like God was going to continue that. So, I have stayed visiting my doctor in South Scottsdale.
This last week I have been incredibly sick with the flu. Knowing I was going to see my doctor I started praying for my time with him. I prayed that our time might be used for the gospel, that I was willing to be used, and would be please to have a spiritual conversation with my doctor. I also prayed that I would not force anything, but that God would give the opportunity and guide me.
I wasn’t in the office with the doctor more than a few minutes before he says, “I started reading the Bible the other day.” I had sent him a Bible about a year ago after a spiritual conversation, which he ended by saying, “I think I’d like to read the Bible some day.” When he made the comment about reading the Bible, I knew God was answering my prayer. I said, “Really?” and listened. From there it was one of those special God-lead conversations where they ask all the perfect questions and God guides me into what seem like the perfect answers. In the short frame of about 10 minutes we talked from Genesis to Revelation, from us being created in the image of God to the eternality of our souls, from our fall into sin to salvation offered only in Jesus Christ, graciously by God. He didn’t accept Christ in the room, like I wish he would have. But, we had a great conversation. I felt very blessed to have been used by God like that. The most important part wasn’t my feelings, although being in the middle of what God is doing always feels wonderful. I really care about this man. So, the most exciting thought was, that conversation might be part of what lands his soul in eternity with Christ our Lord. Wow, wouldn't that be awesome!
I don’t ever mind getting sick, even as wicked as it’s been this week, if God is going to use it like that. What opportunities do you have in your life today, tomorrow, this week? Do you really care about people around you? What difficulty even, might you be distressed about, that God might use to mature you or for the advancement of His Kingdom, if you are willing (James 1:2-4)? God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). Do you want to experience God's good, however it might come? Are you listening for His calling today? Are you willing to be used? There is no more exciting life.
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