Health Hacks, Day 3 of 21 Days
Health Hacks, Day 3 of 21 Days
By: Zach Sloane
The Natural as Supernatural
1 Timothy 5:23 (NLT)
“Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.”
Even if we take the conversation about wine and drinking alcohol out of the equation, this verse is very impactful for me. Here we have the apostle Paul, the one who did unusual miracles, makes an appeal to Timothy to embrace a very natural, healthy solution. The Bible tells us that: “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that when the handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them”(Acts 19:11-12). He clearly had a healing ministry but even Paul instructs Timothy toward doing something natural and intentional for the sake of his health.
Why did he not pray for him, send the healing word, and get him better. Well actually, we don’t know that he didn’t do that. And from what we know of Paul he most likely did pray, and Timothy was most likely healed. So why this instruction?
I think in light of these things we know about Paul this instruction is actually quite informative on a couple different levels.
1. Sometimes godly instruction, wisdom and faith is manifested by embracing totally practical, natural solutions like a change in diet. We cry for a miracle and God sends a health hack.
2. Proverbs 27:2 says “the clever see danger and hide; but the simple go on and are punished for it.” It’s not always wise to avoid sound wisdom and good health advice because you plan on later appealing to the miraculous. Sometime the solution is practical”
3. “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” Maybe Paul did frequently pray for his healing, but it’s better not to need it. Manifesting wisdom and stewardship in such away so as to avoid the need for a miracle is better than needing one all the time. (If the miraculous is to constantly get you out of trouble.
4. All that being said, if we have backed ourselves into a health corner, if we have intentionally embraced unhealthy habits, if we are sick because of bad health choices, there is no condemnation. You have not missed God. God says “I have seen his [willful] ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him [also] and will restore comfort to him and to those who mourn for him…” (Isaiah 57:18 AMP.).
Do a little this or take a little of that for your stomach’s sake, your bodies sake, for the sake of your health.
Wonderful “hack”, Zack. Thanks for this perspective.
Good word Zach 🙂
Yup … gotta watch my intake … this body was made to carry the Spirit of God … food is fuel for a highly tuned vehicle … be well my friends!!!
“He clearly had a healing ministry but even Paul instructs Timothy toward doing something natural and intentional for the sake of his health.” So good Zach!
Profound moment, restored by miracle, sustained by wisdom and understanding. So practical.
In all our willful ways. Thank God for His Goodness, His will to heal us always, in all circumstances.
Tremendous Promise, sounds good. Helping us to get it together. Great Word Zach!
Thank you for your sound words of wisdom, Zach.
Very interesting! very enjoyable indeed