In Psalm 139:14, David gives praise to our God because “…I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

I remember appreciating this Psalm particularly when I was in medical school and had the privilege of studying the human body and the amazing engineering that God used to design the cardiac, pulmonary, reproductive, and other organ systems. And amazingly more, was how these systems are designed to adapt to disease and stress.

I was reminded of this again recently when I had a young patient come to my office after having stepped on a sewing needle while running around barefoot at home. Been there, done that. Unfortunately, a piece of the needle had broken off and lay embedded deep, somewhere  in the bottom of her foot.

Under duress, I did some exploring but encouraged the parents to be patient instead. The body’s immune system is designed to rid the body of foreign matter. I prescribed an antibiotic to help rid off any horrible infection but recommended soaking the foot in hot water with Epsom salts.

Three days later, the parents and patient returned. There was some pus present but no sign of the needle yet. They were discouraged, I was encouraged. But, they insisted on a surgical consult so I obliged. Surgery was scheduled for three days later. I suggested continuing the soaking plan as prescribed earlier.

Guess what happened one day later and before a surgeon had the opportunity to interfere. The body pushed the needle out just as I had predicted. Praise the Lord!

If you only knew how many times a day your body’s immune system warded off diseases like polio, diphtheria, tuberculosis, and other devastating diseases, you would never get to sleep. As with David, I agree. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.