THE HUMAN BODY - God's Wonderful Creation

In all of creation, the amazing human body is one of the most intricate pieces of God's handiwork. In it we see a work of design like no other.

Since my injury, my perception of this design has changed and my awe has deepened. Let's think about some of the ways in which the body is such a flawless design. Our immune system helps us to ward off infection and illness from many sources. Even our waterproof skin is a barrier that provides temperature control. When the skin breaks, the body puts together a defense team to prevent germs from gaining a foothold and causing infection. The body's cells form a scab to provide a new barrier of protection. Sometimes, when there is an internal infection, the area will form a wall (or abscess), sealing the infection off from the rest of the body. When a bone breaks, the body sends cells to surround the break and begins to form a callus (or internal scar) to heal the bone. When pain is too severe, the body goes into shock to block it. If a person experiences a trauma, the mind sets up shock or temporary denial to protect itself.

The body also attempts to right itself when a hormone or body chemistry is out of balance. For instance, in diabetes, when the blood sugar becomes elevated, a person becomes very thirsty so that water intake will dilute the excess sugar. The kidneys and intestines filter off and get rid of poisons, wastes and excess water. Isn't it amazing how the body can turn food and fluid into nourishment for growth and maintenance and energy?

How wonderful it is that we can adapt to disruptions from the optimum functioning of our bodies. We can still manage when we lose the use of our legs or arms, eyes or ears. Even the loss of one kidney or lung can be tolerated.

The human body is masterful at multi-tasking. Think about how it performs so many functions at the same time. As I type this, I'm able to think about what I'm typing, what I will fix for dinner and how my family is doing today. Meanwhile, my stomach is digesting my last meal, I can hear a mower outside, I feel the snugness of my boot, and I know that all my cells are doing the jobs God created them to do. What an overwhelming number of tasks our bodies perform simultaneously!

These are just a few examples of the miracles of the human body. Let us give God the praise for the wondrous job He did in creating it and us!