Standard of Care

As I have interacted with the medical community in recent years, there is one phrase I have repeatedly heard, "standard of care".  What they are offering me is the "standard of care".  All the statistics prove that this is the "standard of care". Why don't I want to proceed with the "standard of care"?

standard of care: A diagnostic and treatment process that a clinician should follow for a certain type of patient, illness, or clinical circumstance. In legal terms, the level at which the average, prudent provider in a given community would practice.

The implication behind these statements is that it doesn't get any better than what they are offering.  I am getting the best the world has to give and should accept it gratefully.  I have even been told that following the "standard of care" is a demonstration of faith, while not doing so is an illustration of fear.

Yet, here is the thing.  I am not a statistic...and neither are you.  As a child of God, He not only knows our names, but He is concerned with everything pertaining to us; even to knowing the exact number of hairs on our heads.  Man's best is not always God's best...and neither you nor I should settle for anything less.

"I am concerned for you and will look on you with favor..." Ezekiel 36:9a

The standard of care in this world will not only let you die, but hasten your death. The standard of care in this world will watch you mutilate yourself and call you a champion.  The standard of care in this world will watch you kill yourself and applaud you.  By no means do I intend to mock those who are faced with life and death decisions or the many people who give their all in caring for others.  I merely want to point out that this world can only offer you options based upon hopelessness. According to the world, there is no hope for your life beyond the world.  Yet there is a God in Heaven who has a higher standard, and He wants to give you life.

"For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1:37

The Lord God can do even what the world says is impossible, if we would just believe Him.  There is no situation you face which He cannot turn around.  Never walk in the spirit of fear because you have a God who loves you more than His own life.  We are not limited by the logic, systems, or answers of this world, but in Christ all things are truly possible.  Never forget to take your cares to Him and leave them there.

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." I Peter 5:6-7