Biblical Answer

Can I really trust my doctor when they're just going to give me more bad news?

Understanding Faith and Trust in Medical Care

When we visit a doctor, we often rely on their expertise and trust their diagnosis. However, the uncertainty of medical outcomes can create anxiety and fear. In the Bible, faith is described as a fundamental aspect of human experience (Hebrews 11:6). We exercise faith when we trust in God's sovereignty over all creation, including our health and well-being. Similarly, when we trust our doctor's diagnosis, we are exercising faith in their expertise and the medical system. This faith is not blind, but rather informed by the doctor's training, experience, and professional reputation.

The Limits of Human Knowledge and Control

As the provided testimony illustrates, medical professionals, including doctors, are not omniscient and can make mistakes. However, this does not necessarily mean that we should distrust our doctors entirely. Rather, it highlights the importance of recognizing the limitations of human knowledge and control. When we visit a doctor, we are not simply seeking a guaranteed outcome, but rather seeking guidance and treatment based on the best available evidence and expertise. This requires us to trust in the doctor's abilities, while also acknowledging the uncertainties of medical care.

Faith and Trust in a Sovereign God

Ultimately, our trust in medical care must be grounded in a deeper trust in God's sovereignty over all creation. When we face difficult medical news, we can choose to rely on our own strength and control or trust in God's goodness and providence. As the Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6). By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can find peace and comfort in the midst of uncertainty, even when faced with difficult medical news. This trust is not a rejection of medical care, but rather a recognition that our ultimate hope and security lies in God's loving care for us.