A WORD FOR TODAY, June 3, 2025
Peggy Hoppes
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Blessings. Peg
A WORD FOR TODAY, June 3, 2025
“This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching. Don’t neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elders. Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all. Pay attention to yourself and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:9-16, WEB
Walter Reed was a Major in the U.S. Army at the turn of the twentieth century. Walter was born in Virginia and the son of a Methodist minister. He was extremely intelligent. Walter’s life turned out much different than he would have liked. His family could not afford the kind of education he wanted, one geared toward the philosophical rather than the scientific. Unfortunately, it was very expensive to get that type of degree, the medical degree was far more affordable. He received his first doctorate at the age of 18 and his second a year later, doing both two-year courses in half the time.
For several reasons, Dr. Reed’s private practice never made it off the ground. He was so young that none of the patients believed he could actually be a doctor. He might have succeeded if he could have grown a beard which would have made him appear older, but hair would not grow on his face. Additionally, Dr. Reed was not from a social class where his social and family contacts would have given him credibility and patients needed to build a practice. Before long, Dr. Reed gave up on private practice and joined the army. He was in love with a woman, but knew he could never marry her if he had no financial stability to offer. He became a surgeon and his time in the army provided many opportunities for success.
Since yellow fever was a major problem around the world at this time. Scientists were just discovering the fact that many diseases come from microorganisms that are passed from person to person through the air or by touch. Dr. Reed, in association with other scientists, helped eliminate yellow fever by pinpointing the source of the contamination: mosquitoes. Dr. Reed’s dedication to finding the truth led to an experiment with twenty-four very brave soldiers who allowed themselves to be bitten by infected mosquitoes. They proved that it was the mosquito and not other sources as commonly accepted at the time. They realized that to reduce the number of people contracting the disease, they had to eliminate the carriers, so cities dealt with the breeding places and recommended that people have only enough water necessary for daily living in their homes and well covered.
Eventually a vaccine was discovered, thanks to the work of Dr. Reed. He died in 1902, having accomplished something great for humanity. His career took a different path than he wanted, but he was laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery with these words as his epitaph, “He gave to man over that dreadful scourge, yellow fever.”
The hospital named after Major Walter Reed was first opened on May 1, 1909. It is an awesome way to honor this man who through his persistence and integrity managed to change the world and help many people. Yet, hearing his life story, we realize that in many ways he is no different than ourselves. He did not have control over much of his life but in the end he accomplished just what he wished to accomplish. He was too young and of the wrong social class; he could not succeed in one way but managed to succeed in an even greater way.
Timothy was also too young, but Paul encouraged him to ignore those who tried to stop him from doing his work for the Lord. We may have goals that seem impossible, but we can trust that God will use our gifts in some magnificent way, we need only follow God’s calling in our lives without worrying about how the rest of the world will react. The things that matter to the world don’t matter to God. He can use each of us according to His good and perfect purpose, even when we do not fit into the expectations of those around us. Give yourself fully to your own work for the Lord and He will bless the world through you.
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