Wonderful are the opportunities given to the guardians of the sick. In all that is done for the restoration of the sick, let them understand that the physician is seeking to help them cooperate with God in combating disease. Lead them to feel that at every step taken in harmony with the laws of God, they may expect the aid of divine power.MHH 57.2

The sick and suffering will have much more confidence in the physician who they are confident loves and fears God. They rely upon his or her words. They feel a sense of safety in the presence and administration of that physician.MHH 57.3

Knowing the Lord Jesus, it is the privilege of the Christian health professional to invite His presence into the sickroom by prayer. Before performing critical operations, physicians should ask for the aid of the Great Physician. They should assure the suffering ones that God can bring them safely through the ordeal, that in all times of distress He is a sure refuge for those who trust in Him. The physician who cannot do this loses case after case that otherwise might have been saved. If he or she could speak words that would inspire faith in the sympathizing Savior, who feels every throb of anguish, and could present the needs of the soul to Him in prayer, the crisis would more often be passed safely.MHH 57.4

Only He who reads the heart can know with what trembling and terror many patients consent to an operation under the surgeon’s hand. They realize their peril. While they may have confidence in the physician’s skill, they know it is not infallible. But as they see the physician pray, asking help from God, they are inspired with confidence. Gratitude and trust open the heart to the healing power of God, the energies of the whole being are vitalized, and the life forces triumph.MHH 57.5

To the physician as well as to the patient, the Savior’s presence is an element of strength. Often the responsibilities and possibilities of the physician’s work bring dread upon the spirit. The feverishness of uncertainty and fear would make the hand unskillful. But the assurance that the divine Counselor is present to guide and to sustain imparts quietness and courage. The touch of Christ upon the physician’s hand brings vitality, restfulness, confidence, and power.MHH 57.6

When the crisis is passed and success is apparent, let a few moments be spent with the patient in prayer. Give expression to your thankfulness for the life that has been spared. As words of gratitude flow from the patient to the physician, let the praise and thanksgiving be directed to God. Tell the patient his life has been spared because he was under the heavenly Physician’s protection.MHH 58.1

Physicians who follow such a course are leading their patients to the One upon whom they are dependent for life, the One who can save to the uttermost all who come to Him.MHH 58.2

Into the medical missionary work should be brought a deep yearning for souls. To the physician equally with the gospel minister is committed the highest trust ever committed to humans. Whether he or she realizes it, every physician is entrusted with the cure of souls.MHH 58.3

In their work of dealing with disease and death, physicians too often lose sight of the solemn realities of the future life. In their earnest effort to avert the peril of the body, they forget the peril of the soul. The ones to whom they are ministering may be losing their hold on life. Life’s last opportunities are slipping away. These souls the physician must meet again at the judgment seat of Christ.MHH 58.4

Often we miss the most precious blessings by neglecting to speak a word in season. If the golden opportunity is not watched for, it will be lost. At the bedside of the sick no word of creed or controversy should be spoken. Let the sufferer be pointed to the One who is willing to save all who come to Him in faith. Earnestly, tenderly strive to help the soul that is hovering between life and death.MHH 58.5

Physicians who know that Christ is their personal Savior, because they themselves have been led to the Refuge, know how to deal with the trembling, guilty, sin-sick souls who turn to them for help. They can respond to the inquiry, “What must I do to be saved?” They can tell the story of the Redeemer’s love. They can speak from experience of the power of repentance and faith. In simple, earnest words they can present the soul’s need to God in prayer and can encourage the sick one also to ask for and accept the mercy of the compassionate Savior. As they thus minister at the bedside of the sick, trying to speak words that will bring help and comfort, the Lord works with them and through them. As the mind of the sufferer is directed to the Savior, peace fills the heart, and the spiritual health that comes is used as the helping hand of God in restoring health to the body.MHH 58.6

In attending the sick, the physician will often find opportunity for ministering to friends of the afflicted one. As they watch by the bed of suffering, feeling powerless to prevent the pangs of anguish, their hearts are softened. Often grief concealed from others is expressed to the physician. Then is the opportunity to point these sorrowing ones to Him who has invited the weary and heavy-laden to come to Him. Often prayer can be offered for and with them, presenting their needs to the Healer of all woes, the Soother of all sorrows.MHH 58.7

Seek Constantly to Improve

God’s Promises