Level 1 health and sickness Archives
Can Good Come from an Illness?
“We know that for those who love God all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28 ESV).
Emily: How can anything good come from being sick?
Axel: I certainly didn’t feel anything good with that headache.
Emily: Well, when recuperating, we watched some interesting shows.
Axel: And we enjoyed our art projects. So those are good things.
"The testing of your faith produces patience" (James 1:3 NKJV).
Axel: While sick, I had time to reflect on recent events.
Axel: Run faster, Bryan! You’re making us lose!
Axel: I owe Bryan an apology. Though he’s not a fast runner, he has a lot of other skills.
Emily: I’ve been thinking about the importance of habits that help us stay healthy or help our bodies heal when we’re sick.
Illustration texts: Eat healthy foods. Get adequate sleep. Dress appropriately. Drink plenty of liquids.
Emily: Lately, I’ve been skipping my vegetables.
Axel: And remember what we learned in health class? Our bodies’ immune system is strengthened by overcoming an illness. When we’re sick, the immune system builds defenses against that illness.
Emily: That’s right! The next time we are faced with the same ailment, our bodies draw on the defenses built up the last time we had that illness to then be able to overcome it more easily in the future or completely ward it off.
Emily: I’ve been thinking about how Jesus understands what it’s like to not feel well. The Bible tells us He was sometimes tired1 or hungry.2 And He suffered great pain on the cross.
Axel: The Apostle Paul taught, “For our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin.”3
Emily: That’s encouraging. And the Bible stories about Jesus healing the sick are also reassuring!
Jesus is with you to help you recuperate. Ask Him to help you get well and look to Him to help you take note of the positive experiences that are there for you.
Can you think of something you gained from an illness?
Footnotes:
1 See John 4:6.
2 See Mark 11:12.
3 Hebrews 4:15 ICB
Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible® (ICB), copyright © 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.Authored by Evan Kallen. Illustrated by Jeremy. Designed by Roy Evans.
Published by My Wonder Studio. Copyright © 2022 by The Family International
A Prayer of Gratitude: Medical Professionals
“Look to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4, paraphrased).
“Every time you find work to do, do it the best you can” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 ERV).
Reflect on the doctors you know, such as the family doctor, dentist, and ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
Manifest your gratitude:
- Keep in mind that the doctor and staff work hard to help their patients.
- Respectfully greet the doctor and staff when you visit them.
- Thank the doctor and staff at the end of your visit.
- Be patient while waiting your turn to see the doctor.
Prayer for gratitude: Jesus, You are called the Great Physician, and You give me good care through the skills of the medical professionals. Help me to be kind and thoughtful when at the doctor’s office and to treat the doctor and staff with respect, showing gratitude to those who serve me with their beneficial medical services.
Prayer of gratitude: I’m very thankful, Jesus, for how You use the skills of the doctors and nurses to give me good care. Thank You, also, for the good counsel they give me for how to care for my body to stay healthy. Encourage ___ with appreciation shown by their patients.
Authored by Anney Nichols. Illustrated by Zeb. Colored and designed by Roy Evans.
Published on My Wonder Studio. Copyright © 2022 by The Family International
Take Care of Your “House”
Adapted from the writings of TFI. Illustrations by Leila Shae. Colors by Stefan Merour. Design by Stefan Merour.
Published by My Wonder Studio. Copyright © 2017 by The Family International
