Where do you begin when you’re looking for answers to a health concern?
Of course, the first step is to work closely with your primary health care provider, especially if your condition is serious, urgent, or involves medication. God has blessed us with many skilled health professionals, and wise medical care has an important place in caring for our bodies.
Yet many people today also turn to the internet—Google, AI, social media, and countless health websites—in search of answers. While I appreciate people taking a personal interest in their health, the amount of information available can be overwhelming. Every day, we are presented with new diets, miracle supplements, and claims of cures for almost every illness imaginable. Some advice is excellent; some is questionable; some can even be harmful.
How do we know where to begin?
Before searching for the right health solution, I believe we need the right foundation.
Many people become so focused on finding the perfect treatment that the search itself becomes all-consuming. This reminds me of the woman in the Bible who suffered for twelve years. She sought help from many physicians and spent everything she had yet her condition only became worse. Finally, she came to Jesus, and He healed her because she trusted Him.
What made the difference?
Her faith was not simply believing she would get better. It was trust in the One who could heal her. Genuine faith begins with trusting someone who is completely trustworthy.
Jesus is no longer physically present on earth, but He is alive. His promises remain, and His counsel continues to guide those who seek Him. If we sincerely ask Him for healing, wisdom, or direction, I sometimes wonder if His first question might be, “Have you read the instructions I have already given you?”
This leads to an important question. Is it really trust if we gladly follow the instructions we enjoy but ignore those that require us to change something we want? Faith is more than believing God exists. It is believing that He loves us, that His wisdom is perfect, and that every instruction He gives is for our good.
So, before we begin searching for the latest health information, perhaps we should ask ourselves four foundational questions.
- Do I believe God is trustworthy?
- Do I believe He loves me and desires what is best for me?
- Has He given us principles for health and healthy living?
- Am I willing to follow all of His instructions, even when they require change?
You may be thinking, “Rick, I thought this article was going to help me find answers to my health questions. Instead, you’ve been talking about faith.”
That’s true—but only because faith is where the search begins.
I’m not suggesting that what we eat, how we exercise, or how we sleep doesn’t matter. Nor am I suggesting that we ignore modern medical care. God often works through healthy living, wise medical treatment, and the knowledge He has allowed us to discover.
What I am saying is that every lasting health journey needs a solid foundation, and that foundation is simple:
Love God. Trust Him. Follow His instructions.
From that foundation, we can build a balanced approach to health that includes:
- Living according to God’s original design for His children.
- Learning how our bodies function so we can care for them wisely.
- Using modern medicine thoughtfully and appropriately.
- Guarding our minds as carefully as we guard our bodies.
- Learning how to evaluate the credibility of health information.
These are principles I hope to explore in future articles. But before we build the walls, we need to be sure the foundation is secure.
Here are a few questions to help you evaluate your own foundation.
- Do I knowingly ignore any instruction God has given?
- Do I see His instructions as burdens—or as blessings?
- Do I trust His wisdom, even when I don’t fully understand it?
- Do my daily choices generally reflect His principles?
- Do I welcome His correction as much as His encouragement?
- Do I believe God is personally interested in my health and well-being today?
If your answers reveal uncertainty, perhaps this is the place to begin, to return to the foundation.
- I believe God loves me.
- I believe He is completely trustworthy.
- I believe He has given principles for healthy living.
- I choose to follow His instruction because I know He always desires my highest good.
Building good health is much like building a house. Before choosing the paint, the windows, or the furnishings, you make sure the foundation is solid. The same is true with our health. When our lives are built on trusting God and following His loving instruction, every other health decision rests on a firm foundation.
If you would like to discuss these ideas or have questions about developing a healthy lifestyle, please contact Wellness Support at 303-282-3676.
* The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding your health or medical conditions. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.
—Rick Mautz is the Rocky Mountain Conference Wellness Support director. Photo by Rodolfo Quirós of Pexels.
