Compassion Which Conquers Our Troubles

“And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.” (Ac 28:8 AV)

It is quite impressive that even in the midst of affliction, Paul had enough faith to minister to the needs of others.  He was on his way to Rome to stand before Caesar for his life.  They had just been shipwrecked.  Even after the experts ignored the man of God and almost killed everyone.  He had every right to be pre-occupied with his own troubles.  Yet, there was someone in need of a touch from Jesus.  This takes a great amount of maturity and sacrifice.  This takes a great amount of love.   To care for another especially when their need is not a serious as one’s own is the true meaning of Christlikeness.

Internists are required to go through a time of extreme testing.   They may be asked to work 24 to 36 hours straight.  Allowed to take a nap or two they are back at it with every new patient.  Wondering why the exhaustive training is necessary, I often thought it might be more prudent to simply hire more help.  But the nature of traumatic healthcare cannot be eased with more providers.  The point of pulling such long hours is to train the perspective trauma specialist the nature of medicine might require deep self-sacrifice.  A plague or severe accident involving many victims would require doctors and nurses so save lives when they are extremely exhausted.  Getting called into surgery in the middle of the night with only a few hours sleep will happen from time to time.  One cannot think of one’s own needs first.  The nature of medicine will not allow it.

Serving in the ministry has its ups and downs.  No one other than men of your calling will ever understand the sacrifices you make or the troubles your asked to endure.  No one.  Whether we like it or not, we are asked to experience things that no other calling in life is asked to do.  Paul is an example equal to no other than the LORD Jesus Himself!  May we always be more concerned about the needs of others than we are the deep waters of which we are required to cross.