“Doctor, could it be an example of the rashes associated with that parasitic infection we were discussing the other day?”
I pondered the question my dermatology resident asked me. As I re-reviewed the microscope slide with my resident, I replied, “Well, I have learned to never say never, but it is unlikely. But let’s keep that possibility in mind.”
Throughout my career as a physician, I have continually been surprised how the diagnostic criteria have changed for many diseases. With some, the causes for the diseases have greatly expanded. With others, new clinical and histopathological variants have emerged. The statement I made to my resident reflects my cumulative experiences. I caution my residents that while this disease does not show the classic reported features of the disease, we should leave open the possibility that a new variant or diagnostic criteria may emerge.
If it is true with medicine, it is even more true with our spiritual walk with God. If we decide that something will never happen, I am imposing my will over God’s sovereign will. There are no other options, no possibility for God to intervene. Thanks be to God that He does want to intervene in our lives!
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 11:19 (NIV)
God is not an impersonal cosmic being who created the universe then sat back and allowed events to randomly unfold. God is a personal Being who takes the initiative and reveals Himself to His creation through His Son, Jesus Christ. When we confess and repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, He will change our hearts and put a new spirit in them. Before Jesus, our hearts are divided by the competing interests of the world. After Jesus, He unites our heart to seek His will and obey Him.
Never say never.
Thanks be to God for His love, grace, and mercy. He never changes!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 