If you have a health problem or concern, consult God first

God wants us to learn to be in the habit of inquiring of Him first, before seeking other help for health problems we may come to have. Some Christians rely more on natural health methods and have better luck with that. That's how I am. Others, seek help from doctors. In some cases that may be appropriate - I don't know. That is something each person must decide for themselves. Each person must prayerfully decide for themselves which methods to try. The verse below shows how Asa displeased God by seeking the physicians before inquiring of Him for healing or healing advice. That is good advice for us all.

2 Chron 16:12
12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.
KJV

I'd say if you are having a heart attack it might be best to get to a hospital.....you can pray on the way.

Seems to me Asa's woes were the result of pride and arrogance.
This is not about seeking physicians when sick because "physicians" in those days relied on magic rather than cures, so in effect Asa was consulting with magicians.

True, his primary problem was his rejection of God - his pride. But even so - it plainly goes to the "bother" to mention that he didn't seek God first. To me - that looks to me like God was additionally not happy about his choosing to seek out doctors before thinking to seek God. I respect your views, but that's how it looks to me. I know of no godly person in the Bible as having been said to specifically seek out a doctor before seeking God in prayer about his sickness and disease. And there are many references showing God's people praying and seeking God to remedy in cases of sickness and disease - such as Moses, King Hezekiah, Paul and the apostles.

Matt 6:31-33

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
KJV

I am fortunate to have the Master Physician in "my house" (it's actually His house.) I can talk to Him first.

Mark
5:25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
5:26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
5:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in [her] body that she was healed of that plague.
5:30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
5:31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
5:32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
5:33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
5:34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Can you give me some natural health methods? Are we talking things like fruits or what exactly?

The Lord permitted this disease as a result of Asa's actions starting in Chapter 2 Chronicles 16.

2 Chron. - 16:12 “The “physicians” who are spoken of here were probably Egyptian physicians, who were in high repute at foreign courts in ancient times, and who pretended to expel diseases by charms, incantations, and mystic arts. In other words, they were Satanic!)”

JSM

Yes, we should always seek the Kingdom of God first and His Righteousness (Matthew 6:33). We should always pray for spiritual blessings of healing. God also blesses us with earthly blessings such as doctors (Luke) and medicine for healing.

3 John 1:2 - Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Dill pickles are good for indigestion. They can pow it in 10 seconds!

There is seldom only one way to look at a scripture....my look at those verses was to see Asa' pride and also God's admonishment to not deal with the occult; another problem for him. When I read your post I was wondering if you were advocating relying on prayer instead of seeking a doctor.

You are right, seeking God's leading before acting is always best.'
I should do that more often, but confess I don't. I'm more the type to jump in and ask God to get me out of it later.

Sure. There's lots of natural health methods. I don't think they're all reliable. And also think everyone's body varies some as to what might help relieve one's illness or disease. It helps to study up on suggestions online, etc. And try out some and see what seems to work. As for myself, I use no herbs other than spices. I put 8 spices into my rice every day and eat that. Spices are said to be digestive aids, and help to get rid of toxins - they are called "antioxidants." My main ailment is allergies. So in my case, I have had to cut out some foods that bother me and that helps some. Though I may try eating those things once a month, to try to get my body to get over the allergic response to them. I've studied how allergy doctors give their patients a little of all that they're allergic to - and how some get over their allergies in that way in some cases, evidently.

I also eat healthfully - believe that God's food - things how they come out of gardens - is the best choice. No additives, and no refining allowed. I currently eat: brown rice, 8 spices, flaxseeds, mustard powder, peanuts, and milk. I also drink green tea - seems to help give energy and reduce allergy symptoms too.

Yes, I know what you mean! Jesus is the Master physician! Better than any other!

"MyrtleTrees,
God wants us to learn to be in the habit of inquiring of Him first, before seeking other help for health problems we may come to have. Some Christians rely more on natural health methods and have better luck with that. That's how I am. Others, seek help from doctors. In some cases that may be appropriate - I don't know. That is something each person must decide for themselves. Each person must prayerfully decide for themselves which methods to try. The verse below shows how Asa displeased God by seeking the physicians before inquiring of Him for healing or healing advice. That is good advice for us all.

2 Chron 16:12
12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians
KJV[/QUOTE]

Why not use the power of the Word and the Cross to heal ourselves instead?. I never read about Jesus referring anyone to a doctor or any hospital throughout his Healing ministry. If we remove the fear of death, pain sorrow etc, and rely solely and truthfully on the power of God, we will be healed. It may take long but the spiritual lesson we learn from the experience will be priceless and will motivate us never to call a doctor ever again.

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything of ourselves but our sufficiency is of God".---- 2 Corinthians 3: 5

Why not use the power of the Word and the Cross to heal ourselves instead?. I never read about Jesus referring anyone to a doctor or any hospital throughout his Healing ministry. If we remove the fear of death, pain sorrow etc, and rely solely and truthfully on the power of God, we will be healed. It may take long but the spiritual lesson we learn from the experience will be priceless and will motivate us never to call a doctor ever again.

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything of ourselves but our sufficiency is of God".---- 2 Corinthians 3: 5[/QUOTE]
True - our sufficiency comes from God! Without Him we are nothing!

The problem is we not always close to Him.

True - and being close to HIm is the important thing! If one isn't close to Him, God isn't able to lead and guide as well - that's just how it works! People have different priorities. Those who put top priority on pleasing God in daily life, has the best communication between themselves and God. Plus God answers their prayers better.