Transfusions: My Bloodline to Faith

“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

Over the past couple of years, I have had numerous transfusions. Blood transfusions are given to restore blood or plasma volume. They increase the number and concentration of red blood cells. This process helps the body to fight against infections and the results of extreme anemia. The transfusion fuels the body and provides strength and energy.

I have found that God’s Word is the bloodline that brings a healthy and growing faith. There are times my faith is anemic, leaving me feeling weak. This makes it harder to fight off the infections of sin. Side effects can be doubt, loss of perspective, worry, and a loss of strength needed to follow God.

Then God, the great physician, makes a house call and prescribes for me a daily transfusion from God’s Word. God always knows precisely what I need for spiritual health. His treatments are not always easy or painless, but if I follow His directions, my inner man will be renewed.

The following are some of my most recent appointments with God.

When I am tired and strength is fading…
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.

When I am uncertain about my future...
‘For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, `plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’

When I fight against the cancer of sin…
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

When I need wisdom and understanding…
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

When my heart is lonely…
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

When I am concerned about the future needs of my family…
And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

When I worry…
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Eleanor Schmidt writes:
My doctor had recommended surgery and referred me to a specialist. Arriving early for my appointment, I found the door unlocked and the young surgeon, deeply engrossed in reading, behind the receptionist's desk. When he didn't hear me come in, I cleared my throat. Startled, he closed the book, which I recognized as a Bible. "Does reading the Bible help you before or after an operation?" I asked. My fears were dispelled by his soft, one-word answer: "During."

That is when I need the wisdom and power of God’s Word - “during” all the moments of my life. Not just yesterday and tomorrow, but this day. Thankfully He is never too busy to see me. It is one thing to know and even understand God’s Word, but it is another to truly live it. The question is not simply what I believe about God, but what am I believing God for?

An unknown writer said, "This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.

So, God continues to call me back to Himself for follow-up appointments. Each time I will choose not to fear but trust Him to give me another life-giving transfusion from His transforming Word.

In God’s Waiting Room,
Dan