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 5:2, NKJV)
It is not always in the exceptional, the unusual, that we find our meaning or purpose. The everyday occurrences sometimes so poignantly define how Christ would use us— what He wants us to do for Him. The following is just such a course of events that the Lord used to speak to me of His purpose that are working in my life.
Every two years, my state medical license needs to be renewed. So, in early December about a year ago, I sent the application with some hundreds of dollars. My new license arrived later that month; and, in the busyness of the holidays, I put it in my purse and forgot to send needed copies to the administrative departments at my workplace.
When I remembered in early January, I took the license from my purse and noticed half of the license was moistened— stained with something. I passed it in front of my nose. What was that familiar sweet smell? Anointing oil? The vial of spikenard-scented onto the license. My mind thought, “What is this, Lord? What does it mean?”
Reflecting over the weeks since that day, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has shown me that my faith is now a vital part of my medical practice. God’s truth directs the way I conduct myself. His wisdom is the wisdom that I share with my patients and co-workers, there is His wonderful working and healing in our lives.
It was not always this way. Early in my career, I separated my newfound faith from my work; I compartmentalized it. Also, I was afraid to get too close or involved with patients and co-workers—fearing their needs would overwhelm me or drain me, and fearing that I would not know the wonderful power of God and His love to fill and overflow to others.
A change, however, occurred somewhere. When I realized His great love for me— when I truly felt it in my heart— it filled me; and that love and power were there to share with others. His great Word is a love letter to each of us. It is filled with wisdom that brings healing, wholeness, and great lasting joy. As you will discover, the world does not so much need a physical healing as it desperately needs His great love. Live it, love others, and be joyful. Anointed for ministry; He has put His seal of ministry upon me. Will you let Him put His seal upon you?
– Jennifer Dorsey Boyd, an LLU graduate in the physicians’ assistant program in 1981