Visiting a GP
Choosing a GP, Appointment, History Taking, Observation, Examination, Investigations, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis, Follow up, Patient’s rights or free will.
Medical ethics and confidentiality.
Choosing
You need to choose a Doctor who will have your best interest at heart, not his.
Whatever he does for you should not be for fame or better his practice or to make money.
He should not put you through investigations or treatments for the sake of increasing his knowledge and learning or covering himself against litigation.
The GP should be one who understands that the medical system is there for you, not you for the system.
His priority should be your wellbeing, protection, healing and comfort.
His motive for putting you through investigation processes should be a necessity towards deciding on the course of treatment rather than the satisfaction of making a diagnosis or the enjoyment of using high-tech equipment.
It would be ideal to have a GP who knows you and loves you and whom you can trust.
It would be a bonus if such a GP also has the knowledge and necessary resources.
If you do not know such a Doctor, you would ask others who know and have had experience with a good Doctor.
Would you entrust your life into the hands of this GP trusting him to see you through the treatment process?
The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3
The GOD of the universe loves you as no one else does on this earth. He continues to draw you to Himself.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Without doubt He has your best interest at heart. He has no selfish motives.
Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour. Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses." Matthew 8:13-17
The LORD JESUS healed with compassion and still heals people. We need to trust Him, believe His word and and have faith in Him.
I was just over 40 years of age when I was diagnosed with High blood pressure and put on medication. The desire to trust GOD and not the medication, became strong in me after about 10 years. The confirmation to take the step to put my trust in the LORD was when the following Scripture verse was quickened in me during an evangelistic meeting that I attended.
And He (JESUS) said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." Mark 5:34
As I believed that GOD had spoken to me from His word, the Bible, I got off the medication that same day. It is more than 7 years since I took this step of ‘faith’. Although my faith wavered often and I feared greatly for my life, GOD has proved Himself faithful to His promise. He is not only healing me physically, but continues to teach me many things about my life, making me whole, spirit, soul and body.
Appointment
Will you be able to get appointments with your GP as and when you need him?
'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3
GOD is Omnipresent and is always available to each individual in any place.
History Taking
The Doctor should spend sufficient time to get all the necessary information from you or from your family.
But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. Isaiah 43:1
He knows the story of each individual from the beginning of time to eternity.
Observation
The Doctor will be able to understand your basic situation by simply observing you.
Any paralysis, the state of consciousness, pallor, bleeding and external injuries, anxiety and nervousness will be evident.
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.
Isaiah 49:16
GOD is constantly observing every human being who is an object of His love.
Examination
The GP has to systematically examine your whole body using his eyes, hands and any equipment available.
O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. Psalms 139:1-4
My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
Psalm 139:15-16
Investigations
Afterwards he has to decide on the necessary relevant investigations he should put you through, keeping in mind your safety, comfort and cost.
"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him..” 2 Chronicles 16:9 a
TEOTL (The Eyes Of The Lord) scan is indeed a TOTAL scan that detects the tiniest bit of sin, rebellion and obedience in your spirit. He tests the motives of your mind and the attitudes of your heart just with His eyes! Even the most sophisticated medical scan cannot pick up the problem in your mind and in your heart that may be triggering your physical illness.
Diagnosis
The GP’s academic knowledge of medicine and common sense will help him to make a probable diagnosis of your condition. If not, the sickness will be termed ‘Idiopathic’ which means ‘Unknown.’
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! "For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?" "Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?" For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36
Treatment
He has to now decide on the most appropriate course of treatment, giving thought to side effects, cost and practicality so that your life and the life of your family is not unnecessarily disrupted.
Medication can relieve you of pain and other symptoms, change the readings of your scan and blood reports.
GOD is more interested in healing your spirit and soul which are eternal. Your connection with the Almighty GOD through the LORD JESUS CHRIST revives your spirit. Correction of your motives and attitudes heals the sickness in your soul. This results in the healing of your body and the wellbeing of you as a whole person.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. - 3 John 1:2
And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Matthew 8:2-3
And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, "If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well." But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, "Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that
hour.
Matthew 9:20-22
He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. Psalms 107:20
The process of investigation and treatment can be inconvenient, painful and costly.
JESUS could heal by speaking a word or with a gentle touch. People received their healing by faith.
Medication on scripts or meditation on Scripture.
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalms 1:1-6
Meditation on the Word of GOD:-
The eyes of your understanding will open to the truth that GOD loves you, enabling you to receive this love of GOD which is eternal life.
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. - Isaiah 26:3
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:8-10
Prognosis
Doctors can give a rough indication of your prognosis. Usually it is in probabilities like 25% chance of this or 88% chance of that. You might walk out of the Doctor’s clinic feeling secure, but you can never predict what may befall you - sickness,accident or tragedy. On the other hand you might come out discouraged, anxious, fearful and hopeless.
Your GP, the Great Physician, Who knows the beginning from the end, always prepares you for what lies ahead for you. He always gives you hope and strengthens and rewards your faith. After your time with Him you will always experience peace because He pours out His love into your heart.
'Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. Jeremiah 32:17
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:5
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28
Follow Up
You have to visit your GP regularly so that he can know your progress. Usually you will be asked to monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, lipids and have other relevant tests regularly. This can cause you to be preoccupied with self and bring about anxiety and fear which by itself can result in sickness.
The LORD always draws your focus away from you to Himself and then to others. As you praise Him and bless Him you receive His blessings and become an object of His love. Then you are in a position to be His instrument of blessing to others, thus fulfilling your Manufacturer’s purpose for your life!
But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. - Ephesians 5:1-2
Patient’s rights and free will
During the course of treatment you have the right to pull off or refuse any investigation process or treatment. Although your Doctor would like you to comply with his advice and obey his instructions, you have the right to decide for yourself. The ultimate decision is yours.
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; "that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them." Deuteronomy 30:19-20
..and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you." Exodus 15:26
Medical Ethics and Confidentiality
Your GP has a responsibility to treat all information about you confidentially. He has to first get your permission if he wants to use your condition for discussion or medical research.
You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. Joel 2:26
As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." Romans 9:33
Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. ... Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass, When the Lord has not commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High That woe and well-being proceed? Why should a living man complain, A man for the punishment of his sins? Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the LORD; Let us lift our hearts and hands To God in heaven. Lamentations 3:22-25, 37-41
Authority and Responsibility
During the course of a treatment the Physician has a certain degree of authority over you and carries the responsibility of your medical treatment.
for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. - Matthew 7:29
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. "Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. - Matthew 10:28-31
But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. - Isaiah 43:1
It is necessary for you to know that GOD, Who created you has all authority over you, your spirit, soul and body, not only in this life, but for eternity.
Plan
GOD has only a good plan for you. His plan for you is not just for this short life, but for eternity.
He heals us so that we may be His instruments to bring healing to others.
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:14-16
"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; "they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Mark 16:17-18
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:11-13
And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives." - Hebrews 12:5-6
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28
Your spiritual life that lasts for ever is more important than this transient earthly life, which is but a period of preparation for eternity. If GOD permits sickness or discomfort, learn from Him through it so that you may be healed spiritually.