In our tiny community, we currently have several people either recovering from or about to undergo medical procedures. Many of the procedures are orthopedic in nature, replacing various joints that have worn out, but there are other surgeries as well to address things foreseen and unforeseen. The one thing that all of those people will definitely share as a result is a period of pain and discomfort.
The decision to undergo a procedure that will bring pain and discomfort is not made lightly. The decision-making process requires first an awareness that there is a situation that needs to be addressed. For these community members of ours who are having these procedures, the common thread is that there was already some amount of pain and discomfort associated with their condition, and for several that pain had become nearly unbearable. In their minds, there was a situation that needed to be addressed. Following this, there needed to be an awareness of potential solutions for their conditions, allowing them to consider what might be the most reasonable course of action for their particular case.
As a pastor, it is the next two steps that are really interesting to me. Having considered their options, each person had to come to a belief that a particular course of action was best, and then they had to trust that a particular doctor was the best person to bring about the outcome that they believed possible. Belief and trust were necessary for these people to move from their situation to their desired outcome, and for them to get to where they ultimately wanted to be, there was a clear understanding that pain and discomfort would be a part of the recovery process.
Without those steps of belief and trust, it is unlikely that people would be agreeing to enter into a process that brings added pain and discomfort. Yet equipped with those two pieces, we face what is to come, expecting that the end result will be worth whatever it takes to get there.
My friends, we all share a common affliction called sin and, if left unaddressed, the end result is eternally fatal. Fortunately for us, there is a solution. John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. We can be healed from the effects of our sin if we put our faith in Jesus, and then trust that He is the way, the truth and the life. But here’s the thing – the process could very well be painful and uncomfortable. Jesus tells us that those who follow Him should expect to be persecuted and mocked, but He also says that if the price involves selling everything that we have and letting go of all of our worldly possessions, the end result will be worth it.
Therefore, we all have a decision to make. How will we address the disease of sin in our lives? Whether we decide to deal with it or not, there will be pain and discomfort. However, there is one solution that leads to temporary discomfort followed by endless days so filled with joy that there will be no room for sorrow, pain or tears. Would you please put your faith and trust in Jesus, knowing that he is the Great Physician?
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron