Faith in practice

"Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." —John 6:29 NIV

Living in our southern California climate, we benefit from consistently beautiful, sunny weather year-round. Our most significant temperature changes occur during the summer, yet we endure them with equanimity because we have the resources to weather them well. After all, it’s a dry heat, and we can escape to the beach or the mountains for a respite.

The summer also presages yet another season of change for our community. This past month, we saw the conclusion of the 2023-2024 academic year with the last of graduations. Around us, we continue to see the signs of transition as we prepare to receive our new hospital residents and students who will begin their studies. Our organization is also experiencing personnel shifts through retirement and reorganization. Whenever we go through these threshold moments, we can be sure to experience a myriad of mixed emotions reflecting our attempts to find balance through the changes. There may be anticipation, grief, anxiety, and hope in these moments, but with faith, we can navigate them with hope and trust that God is with us.

In our dynamic and demanding health science education and delivery environment, we can get lost in the whirlwind of studies, research, patient care, and the pursuit of excellence. Yet, amidst the challenges, changes, and relentless pursuit of knowledge, Jesus reminds us in John 6:29, “Believe.” Just as we strive to understand and apply scientific principles in our work, we are also called to believe in the One God has sent, Jesus Christ, and let this belief guide our actions and interactions.

This belief is not a passive acknowledgment but an active, living faith that influences every aspect of our lives, including our academic, professional, and personal endeavors. Let this belief renew our hope and hold our sorrows. Let this belief in Jesus temper our anxiety and bolster our courage.

As employees in the health sciences, our daily routines are filled with tasks that demand our utmost dedication and precision. However, Jesus calls us to root our efforts in faith. This means approaching our work with a heart that trusts in God's guidance, seeks His wisdom, and relies on His strength.

How do we do this? Pray for understanding and compassion. Let your belief in Christ shape your approach to learning and serving. Find peace in His presence. Lean on the faith community and support the services around you. Share your burdens, sorrows, and joys with others. By centering our lives on this foundational truth, we can transform our approach to the challenges and opportunities we encounter at Loma Linda University Health.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for reminding us that our most important work is to believe in Jesus, whom You have sent. Help us integrate this faith into every aspect of our work. Grant us wisdom, patience, and strength. May our belief in You guide our actions and bring us comfort. Amen.

—Dilys Brooks, PhD, BCC, is campus chaplain for Loma Linda University.