The Parable of the Sick Puppy - Get Your Prescription and Take It To Ne Healed

Why Hearing the Doctor Isn’t Enough

Have you ever felt “sick as a dog”—not just physically, but worn down emotionally or spiritually?

This is the story of Sarah, a woman whose physical illness became a powerful lesson about faith, obedience, and transformation.

A New City… and a Very Bad Morning

Sarah had just started a new chapter in life.

She’d accepted a new job, relocated to a city far from home, and finished her very first week at work. On the surface, everything looked promising. But on her first Sunday morning alone in her new apartment, Sarah woke up feeling absolutely miserable.

Her head was pounding.

Her body ached.

The room spun when she tried to sit up.

No partying. No late night. Just sickness.

As she lay there shivering, one thought ran through her mind:

“I’m sick as a dog.”

Alone, Sick, and Without a Doctor

Sarah hadn’t had time yet to find a local doctor or dentist. She’d only been in town a little over a week. That task was on her to-do list—but far from urgent… until now.

Ironically, her first week at work had been gloomy. Almost everyone in the office either had the flu or was coming down with it. Sarah realized she hadn’t escaped it.

Then she remembered something important.

During orientation, the HR manager had mentioned that the company’s health insurance now offered a tele-health service. The paperwork was somewhere in her backpack—dumped by the front door.

With effort and determination, Sarah dragged herself out of bed, rummaged through the backpack, and found the brochure with the 1-800 number.

A Decision That Couldn’t Be Delayed

Sarah faced a choice.

She could stay in her warm bed, doing nothing…or she could act.

Her mind drifted to her Aunt Betty, who had caught the flu a month earlier. Aunt Betty had procrastinated. She didn’t seek help right away. The flu turned into pneumonia.

Aunt Betty died.

Sarah whispered to herself, “That’s not a fate I want to tempt.”

She picked up the phone.

Meeting the Doctor She Didn’t Know

After explaining her symptoms and verifying her insurance, Sarah was connected to a calm, compassionate physician who introduced himself as Dr. Rapha.

She described her pain, her fever, and the flu-ravaged office.

Dr. Rapha listened patiently. He expressed genuine concern and reassured her that help was available. He explained that a new antiviral medication could ease her symptoms and help her recover faster—but healing would be a process, not instant relief.

He asked if she had a preferred pharmacy.

“I’m new here,” Sarah replied. “I don’t have one yet.”

Dr. Rapha recommended a nearby pharmacy, possibly within walking distance. Money was tight, and she hadn’t been paid yet, so that mattered.

Then he offered unexpected wisdom.

“Wait about an hour and a half before going,” he said. “Flu season is overwhelming pharmacies today. You’ll be better resting at home than standing in line.”

Sarah thanked him sincerely.

But after hanging up, she thought:

An hour and a half? I need relief now!

Faith Requires Patience… and Action

Sarah checked to see if the pharmacy delivered. No luck—the delivery driver was out sick with the flu too.

So she waited.

And while she waited, she reflected.

She didn’t know this doctor personally. She’d never met him. Yet she had to trust his word—not just believe it sounded good.

She realized something important:

• Hearing the doctor wouldn’t heal her

• Liking the prescription wouldn’t heal her

• Thinking about it wouldn’t heal her

Only acting on it would.

The Walk She Didn’t Want to Take

Eventually, Sarah got dressed and stepped out into the cold, snowy morning. The pharmacy was only four blocks away, but with the flu it felt like four miles.

She reminded herself:

“If I don’t go, I could get worse. Just lying here thinking about the doctor’s kindness won’t make me better.”

At the pharmacy, she spoke up:

“There’s a prescription waiting for me.”

The pharmacist handed her the medication—written specifically for her. She paid, bundled up, and headed home.

Obedience Brings Healing

Back in her apartment, Sarah followed the instructions carefully. She took the medicine exactly as prescribed—not because she felt better yet, but because she trusted the doctor.

She rested.

She slept peacefully.

By early evening, something remarkable happened.

She began to feel better.

Relief came—not instantly, but surely.

Sarah decided that this doctor was worthy of her trust. One day, she planned to meet him in person and thank him. His guidance had changed the outcome.

And she couldn’t help but think:

“If only Aunt Betty hadn’t waited…”

The Spiritual Lesson Behind the Story

Now, dear reader, here’s the deeper meaning.

Many of us are spiritually sick.

Each week, we hear the words of the Great Physician—through Scripture, sermons, devotionals, or quiet moments of conviction. We may feel encouraged. We may nod in agreement. We may even leave church feeling hopeful.

Yet… nothing changes.

Why?

Because hearing the prescription is not the same as taking it.

Scripture reminds us:

“Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26)

Faith isn’t just appreciating God’s truth. Faith is responding to it.

The Great Physician prescribes a personal course of action for each of us—repentance, forgiveness, obedience, humility, trust. And healing comes only when we act on His instructions.

A Gentle Challenge

Are you listening… but not acting?

Believing… but not obeying?

Hearing… but not applying?

Just as Sarah had to leave her warm bed and walk into the cold, sometimes obedience is uncomfortable. But it’s the path to healing.

Final Thought

Thank you for taking time to read this parable and reflect on its meaning. I sincerely welcome your comments and star ratings below, and I encourage you to share this post if it spoke to you.

You’ll also find several related posts below that continue this journey.

I wish and pray a “Blessed Life 4 U.” 🙏