“But what if I just waited until next year? Then…”
He held up his hand to stop me and said, “Think past the process to where you want to be. Think about being pain-free. Think about all that you will be able to do with your kids.”
His words made a huge difference. I had been so focused on the short-term that I had completely forgotten that in the long run, things would be better.
Sometimes when the treatment seems overwhelming, we close ourselves off from healing. But then, the promises of the outcome give us courage and hope.
My doctor opened my mind to the idea of ligament replacement surgery with promises of a better quality of life.
And so it was with the Healer. He opened my mind up to the idea of a heart transplant with promises of His own. He drew me in with whisperings of my deepest longings. And He had me at Love, but I hung on His every word.
Life…Peace…Joy…Forgiveness
And with every whisper, I inched closer to the operating table. But still, the promises weren’t enough for me to surrender.
And perhaps, so it is with you, too.
We want what’s promised, yet we squirm on the crinkly paper and fast-talk our way out of the surgery that’s necessary. He’s gentle with us, but does not waver. He shows us evidence of our condition and warns of the alternative, but the idea of cutting, cracking, and pain is still too much.
He may have our head, but not our heart. And with every pulse, it grows slower, weaker, smaller, harder…
Maybe deep down, we doubt the promises. Or, perhaps our vision is too near-sighted for far-off promises to make a difference. But we are so very tired of hobbling through life. So we strap ourselves down, grit our teeth, squint into the future, and recite the promises that will be ours…someday. Hiding our doubt and willing ourselves to believe.
The Healer knows what we need, and He points to the testimonies of those who have gone before us.
He reminds us of Mary of Bethany who poured out her most prized possession before Jesus. She came, releasing her hair, soul, and reputation… to worship. She spilled it all out because she knew that in His care, she had more. John 12:1-8
We revisit Stephen, who extended amazing grace to those who held killing stones, so that haters would know the love of the only One worth dying for. He gave his life because he knew where to find more. Acts 7:54-60
These lives, among others, are pictures of what we want. We want the kind of faith that doesn’t seem to be strapped down or gritting through.
But how can we be so sure? Are the promises enough?
After his pep-talk, my doctor asked me if I was ready to schedule my knee surgery. And I thought…Yes, I want to be free of knee pain. Yes, I want a better quality of life. Yes, I have no other option.
But still, something was holding me back.
I asked the doctor for a little more time. I went home and researched his credentials. I asked around for reviews of his skill and character. And after two weeks, I felt like I knew enough.
And, I said yes.
Could the same be true with Mary and Stephen? Promises alone couldn’t have been enough for their kind of surrender. That level of worship can only come from knowing the Promiser. When we know Him, we learn that the promises aren’t just for later. He is all we need, right now.
And the future only holds more…
So when we know Him, nothing holds us back. We open ourselves up completely to our Healer’s care, eager for Him to work on us. And in the moments of pruning and circumcision of heart, the only thing we want to recite is…His name.
Because He is all that’s promised.
So, I allowed the doctor to cut open my knee and replace my old ligament with a strong, new one. And eventually, after the recovery, crutches, and therapy, I was stronger and healthier.
And often, I lay myself out and ask my Healer to open up my heart because in knowing Him, I know that His cuts are perfect…and good for me.
And after this kind of surgery, where stone is replaced with flesh, life pours out like expensive perfume and wounds bleed amazing grace, even for haters. In peace, trust, and worship.
It’s exactly what I want. Is it what you want?
Know the Promiser. He’s all that’s promised. And He’s worthy of your open heart.
Trusting the Promiser,
Karen
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26
Once again, you lay your heart out and I find mine in your words. You are so very talented, Karen. I can’t wait to see how God continues to use your words. This is just over the moon beauty, “life pours out like expensive perfume and wounds bleed amazing grace, even for haters.” Yes, that amazing grace poured out…even for haters like me. I love you for bringing me back to the Cross…always. xoxo, Meredith
Meredith- Your words are always so encouraging. Thank you so much for reading and for your consistent support. Yes, the Cross for even haters like us… Lv u!
Karen, I am so delighted to have recently connected with you and to be reading your words here at the lovely Katie’s today. This really touched my heart. I could so relate to the way you shared your message. And I so loved how you came to how we need to know Him and to know Him we need to spend time with Him. My prayer for myself and for others is that we put Him first in our lives and then allow Him to do those heart transformations that we all need. Blessings to you. I look forward to continuing to get to know you better. xoxo
Beth- I’m so glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words. They are so much appreciated. Blessings…
Oh so good Karen! This post reminds me of a recent message I listened to about levels of change. Often we ask God for a change in our circumstances which means a change that really isn’t change. It isn’t sustaining. The Lord wants to move in and through us. He desires us to walk in freedom with Him as King. How blessed it is to walk this out. We stumble & fall and he picks us up to move on again. Blessed to see you posting on Katie’s site today.
Jolene-your feedback always means south to me. Thank you so much for stopping by and for your encouragement.
Jolene: *so much… not *south. 🙂
I’m a writer..haha.
“He is all we need, right now.”…Sweet reminder.
Thankful to read the good news about your knee!
Loralee- Thank you!
Karen, once again you’ve said it with great clarity and grace. Revealing yourself to help us see ourselves, myself, in His story. Thank you!
Debby- Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your kind words. I’m grateful for both.
Thank you Karen for this beautifully written post. God has given you great writing talent and it is a joy to see you use it and point others to Him and His truth- keep shining!
Katie, xoxo
“The Healer knows what we need, and He points us to the testimonies of those who have gone before us.” So very true. After a season of agnosticism in college, it was the testimonies of modern people and His grace in their lives that wooed me back to Truth. Thank you, Karen. You’re a beautiful writer. May my wounds always “bleed amazing grace”.
Christan- Praise God for knowing, pointing, and wooing us. Thank you for your consistent support. YOU are a beautiful writer. 🙂
Can definitely relate to so much of your experience here! So glad you shared .. May the Lord help each of us to continue to be willing to be pruned and “cut open” for our own good and healing.
Kate- Thank you so much for stopping by. Yes, praying that very prayer…
Beautifully said –> “the only thing we want to recite is…His name.
Because He is all that’s promised.” So grateful to have this post today! Blessings!
Joanne- Thank you so much for your kind words. Blessings to you, too!
What a blessing that we have a Healer who delivers on His promises. I am echoing “He’s got this” in my post this morning. I must have needed to see it again! Loved your post today.
Ginger, Yes, I loved your post, too. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen, Your analogy is perfect. I think we all want to avoid the process and pray God will miraculously perfect us. No scars and nothing painful. But it is our pain and healed wounds that help us help each other. You blessed my day! Thank you!
Deb- I truly appreciate your feedback. Your kind words blessed my day, too. Thank you!
Karen, it’s so fun to find you at Holley’s, click through and realize you’re here at Katie’s! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us today. He is the most beautiful Healer.
Kaitlyn- Thank you for following me around today. 🙂 And thanks for your encouragement.
What a beautiful analogy of your knee surgery and “heart transplant,” Karen! I’m glad your surgery went well and you are stronger today in so many ways :). It is difficult to see the long term advantages when the short term debt is heavy. We are living in a world that wants everything to happen right now. Thank you for this beautiful, encouraging reminder!
Candace- Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. Your encouraging words are so appreciated.
Your words are beautiful. I think sometimes we avoid the process, to avoid the pain and the stretch to grow into who it is God is calling us to be. But it is all worth it, isn’t it?