When we put our faith into practice, we move from being nominal believers to being instruments of God’s love. A pharmacist friend of mine named Jamal told me about one of his recent experiences along this line. It went like this.
One day a young man, who we’ll call Alex, handed Jamal his prescription to treat insomnia. Jamal checked the list of medicines he was taking and was shocked. “Are you sure you want to take all of these medicines?” he asked.
“Of course I am!” came the reply. “I can’t sleep, and it’s ruining my life!”
Jamal took a deep breath. “You realize that some of these medicines have strong side effects, don’t you? If you don’t mind me asking, why can’t a healthy-looking fellow like you sleep?”
Alex looked troubled. “Because from the moment I lay my head on the pillow, I can’t stop thinking about my future!”
“What about it?” Jamal asked.
Alex proceeded to explain his problems in detail, and Jamal listened patiently. Then Jamal offered some fatherly advice. “Our future is in God’s hands. We can find peace of mind and stop worrying about our future by entrusting it to His care.”
Alex nodded in agreement, but his mind was still on his problems. “My doctor also wants to treat me once a week with electric shocks,” he said matter-of-factly.
Jamal grimaced. “What?! There has to be a better solution than that!”
“But what?” Alex asked.
Jamal bowed his head in prayer, asking God for a solution for Alex’s sleep, and was then inspired with an idea. “I have a friend who works as a trainer in a gym, and I think he might be able to help you. I suggest you go see him.”
That seemed like a good idea to Alex, and he headed straight to the gym.
A couple of hours later Jamal phoned the trainer to find out how it had gone.
“I put him on a treadmill as soon as he came in,” the trainer said, “and he’s still at it. He’s got so much pent-up energy, it’s no wonder he hasn’t been able to sleep!”
Several days later Alex returned to the pharmacy and excitedly told Jamal, “I’ve started going to the gym every day, and I’ve slept soundly every night since!”
“What about your prescription?” Jamal asked.
“I threw it away. And by the way, you were right. God knew exactly what I needed!”
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).