Expired

by Macy Johnson

“Go up to Gilead and get balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt.

But you multiply remedies in vain; there is no healing for you.”

(Jeremiah 46:11 NIV)

 

My husband and I wanted a new primary care doctor who would provide personalized assistance. Frustrations arose from being examined by nurse practitioners only. We searched for an astute physician whom we could trust.

 

At my first appointment with our new general practitioner I told him, “I rarely get sick.” Two days later, the day after our grandchildren’s week-long visit, drainage in my sinuses appeared and I was jarred with a minor cold.

 

Every cold and flu medication in my collection expired over a year ago. As you can imagine, they were impotent. I drove to the pharmacy to get something more effective. If the medications expired over a year ago, then the last time I was sick with a cold or flu might have been two years ago, or more! Neither my husband nor I ever got COVID or anything closely related.

 

Memorial Day weekend I rushed my son to the emergency room. He was stung by a wasp that resulted in a nasty allergic reaction. The Benadryl in my medicine collection had expired and was worthless. Thankfully, the hospital staff pumped him with steroids and strong drugs to calm his body’s reaction to the insect’s venom.

 

God’s love for us never expires. In fact, He pours Himself through us by the Holy Spirit continually, giving us new spiritual life. We must avail ourselves to His power just like I must take medications to get better or at least feel better while my body heals itself. There is no expiration date on God’s medicine.

 

I will stay close to Jesus and partake in the healing balm of His Spirit to my soul. I hope you will, too!