2017 has been eventful. Dark clouds hovered over global issues- social, political, economic, environmental, Joy and sorrow walk hand in hand in life. Uncertainty rules 2018 and beyond. Scripture warns of difficult and challenging times ahead ( Matt 24, Mark 13, Luke 21 ). The world and that of healthcare isn’t heading for utopia.

Think of workplace and immediately, images of a battle-field appears. The heavy weight of rapid change crushes even the strong in spirit. Protocols, deadlines, key performance indices (KPIs), competition in research, relational conflicts, are but a few demands we face at work. What impact then do we have in healthcare? Jesus challenges us, the believers, to be salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”( Matt 5:13 )

Why saltless? An unbiblical worldview of ‘secular-spiritual divide’ and poverty in prayer weakens our vocation. Do we give prayer the leftover of our time or treat it as ‘last resort’ strategy, when there is no other way out? Are patients mere recipients of medical care, our research trophies or prized investment?

Aren’t they, like us, by nature, children of wrath ( Eph 2:8 ), and in dire need of God’s salvation? Do we weep over our patients? Yes, healthcare has many praying men, but few men of prayer.

A New Year often begins with reflections, renewed resolutions, and re-alignment of goals. Yet for some, the only change is the date on their desk-top calendar. Time moves on relentlessly. It is unstoppable and non-negotiable.

Let us enter year 2018, watchful, alert and prayerful, as our Lord Jesus instructed us ( Luke 21: 36 ). Pray that our sightless eyes be anointed by God, the Holy One, to see Him as He is, a God of love and the Righteous Judge over the world.

Make it your ambition to pursue a deepening knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and spiritual maturity, which will lead to stability and prevent one from being tossed about or led astray by fear or false beliefs.( 2 Peter3:18 ).

May His blessings be yours in abundance this New Year.

Dr Boey Mee Leng