How Much Will It Hurt?
I was recently watching a House episode on television where a woman’s leg was trapped under a large concrete slab from a building that had collapsed. Dr. Gregory House (played by Hugh Laurie) had to crawl in a hole to reach this woman and proceeded to tend to her wounds, but more importantly he kept her company during this unbelievable difficult time. The lady’s leg was trapped and it did not seem they were going to be able to free the leg, amputation was the only solution. There was nothing she could do to change the past, the slab was already pinning her down; but before Dr. House amputated her leg she asked him, “How much will it hurt?” He responded, “It will feel like nothing you have ever experienced.”
As Christians we know times will be tough, God warns us things are going to happen.
When cancer is discovered, when autism is detected, when families are split apart, when children make poor choices, we know the damage has been done but ultimately we want to know, “Lord how much is this going to hurt?”
And he responds:
“It will be like nothing you have ever experienced.” *
The good news is he does not stop there, he said there will be suffering but he also says:
I will never leave you. (Joshua 1:5, Deut. 31:6 ESV)
You will have tribulation, but take heart I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 ESV)
I am greater than the world. (I John 4:4 ESV)
“..call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)
Just as Dr. House had to bring about pain in order for this woman to survive, the Lord warns us we will become trapped, we will have pain, we will cry out, but take heart in the midst of that pain the Lord is greater than anything that can touch you here. Through his own blood, sweat and tears he has brought salvation to us so we may live.
*Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10 ESV)
Has your world been turned upside down? Are you left wondering ‘how much is this going to hurt?’ Take heart you are not alone and God has come to bring comfort, peace and salvation for all who follow him. Knowing this does not change the situation, but it brings about a peace that helps you put one foot in front of the other and when you look back one day you will realize God was carrying you all along.
Heavenly Father, thank you for never leaving us and for offering us peace in the midst of turmoil. We may become bruised and battered, but there is nothing that happens that has not passed through your hands first. May we glorify you in our weakness.
Photo: Blake Coffee
I sometimes get so weary of traveling the road of life, but it is comforting to know that He is with me to uphold me. And He sends friends that pray along side you.
Thank you for sharing these marvelous passages of comfort with us.
Good thoughts, Lori. Sometimes life does hurt, and then we seem so surprised, but God never promised a problem-free life — but He did promise to be with us through it all and to give us grace to sustain and uphold us.
That was such an encouraging post, Lori. Thanks for sharing! It is so good to know that God is by our side even as the world seems to be crumbling around us. He will see us through!
Living for Him, Joan
Such a hard reality to swallow… but knowing that this is not our forever, this is not the kingdom we belong to, that this is a fallen world with suffering and pain… that all helps keep focus on the beautiful future with our Jesus in HIS kingdom!! Thanks for this devotional Lori! By the way, love House… he’s completely crotchety and messed up, but there’s usually something bigger that comes out like in that episode you quoted from 🙂 In some way or another, we are all pretty messed up… thank goodness for grace!! xoxo
I think we have to remember all of God’s promises and stand on them. We know we are not of this world but of the next and we have to keep God’s perspective. We have a future and a hope!! Eternal life is certainly longer than this earthy one.
I hope you stop by my blog and read about my walkabout! I think we have a hard time getting our arms around just WHO God is. I think He is GREATER than we can ever imagine!
Oh Lori, yes my world has turned upside down. And it is very painful. But how thankful I am that the Lord is with me every step of the way. I have my fleshly moments, believe me. But I do believe He is strengthening my faith and I am learning to lean on Him constantly. I’ve found that He is faithful and trustworthy.
Love you,
Debbie
So inspiring, bless you.
Amen! People think that Christians never hurt… on the contrary, but we have the great Comforter there right with us throughout the pain and hurt.
Blessings,
“How much will it hurt?” I think I’ve asked God that question a few times. Thank you for this encouraging post.
Hiya, thanks for a very true and encouraging post. Blessings.
N