Hello! My name is Allison and I just finished my first year of medical school at SUNY Downstate. I came to SMI this summer because I wanted to use what I learned so far to do hands-on work to help people. I also wanted to see how God’s power can work to heal sickness.
The Bible says that prayer is powerful. Scripture says that if we ask for something, it will be given to us. And as Christians, I feel we are supposed to believe that God can do anything.
James 5:14-15 says “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.” These verses don’t tell the sick to go to a doctor, they say to pray and that God will make them better.
But no matter what scripture says, I find it difficult to believe in the power of miracles, especially those of healing. As a medical student, I question the science behind these miracles. How is it possible for illness that medicine could not eradicate to be healed by words of prayer? What is the science behind it, the science that governs the normal physiological processes of our bodies? During our first week of outreach, it was hard to have the faith that my prayers for the patients in North Philadelphia would be heard. I came to SMI with a sick family member at home, and no matter how hard I pray, I feel like God is not making him any better.
Am I sinful for not believing in the power of God’s miracles? Am I unfaithful for questioning the biology behind Lazarus’ rise from death? These are questions that I found myself asking as we began our door-to-door outreaches.
This past Sunday at church, I had the opportunity to speak with one of the worship leaders who is also a radiation oncologist in the area. Hearing his experience with faith in his medical practice reminded me that we can’t discern God’s will. Dr. Suh could not explain how one patient’s metastasized cancer could just vanish one day. He couldn’t explain how the friend he was praying for once immediately had her 40 year double vision that could not be fixed by surgery restored to normal. And he couldn’t explain why other patients’ prayers seemingly go unanswered.
Our conversation reminded me that God works in mysterious ways and more often than not we don’t understand the beautiful plans God has in store for us, and perhaps we never will. Some of our prayers will be answered and some won’t. But regardless, I think God is listening, and I think He is doing everything for us because of His love.
It’s been so encouraging to see people in these neighborhoods who have such strong faith in God even though they’ve been through many trials. Two days ago I met a woman who was fighting a battle against lymphoma and also struggling with the decision to leave her husband. It seemed that at every opportunity she took to take control of her life, circumstances pulled her life back into uncertainty and chaos, yet she still praised God’s name. Today my team was welcomed into the home of a woman who makes lunches and healthy snacks for the children in her neighborhood and plans outdoor activities for them. I came here to try to spread God’s love, but I feel I’ve been so blessed by the people who allow us into their homes and share their time with us. I also feel so blessed by the time I’ve had to get to know my brothers and sisters here. It’s only been a week and a half, but I feel like I’ve known everyone for a lifetime. I’m excited for the remainder of our journey here and for the things God is teaching us.
Cheers!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7.
Allison Lee