Hold Still
I have the cutest little dog named Riff. He's a snuggler. He's ridiculously cute. He always brings a smile to my face. I don't know what I'd do without my little furry comfort ball.
But Riff has a problem. He's prone to ear infections. I have these drops that clear the infections right up, but Riff flails and fights so much that I rarely get the drops in his ears. So... he's constantly scratching and rubbing his ears on the carpet to relieve his discomfort. I can't tell you how many times I've said, "Riffer, if you'd just hold still, your ears would be all better!" He doesn't listen. He fights the treatment that would provide his healing.
I can be a lot like Riff. How ‘bout you?
God has the remedy for all that ails us. Those broken places. Those sin callouses. That bad blood between us. It takes time and God’s special treatment to make us well.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees” (Hebrews 12:11-12 NIV).
I find myself flailing and fighting the urge to run. I don't want to hold still and let God do what He needs to do to make me well. Healing hurts, and, frankly, I've had my fill of hurting.
But I have to do this. I have to let God do what only He can do. I'm not a silly dog who doesn't know better. I'm an intelligent woman who has seen God's power at work in both my life and in others. I know the present pain will provide future freedom.
I will hold still. Will you?
Lord,
Why does healing have to hurt so much? You could fix me with just a raise of Your all-knowing eyebrow. Part of me wishes You would.
But then I look back on all the good work You've done in me so far. None of it came easy. I thought the pain would kill me, but it didn't. I know pain is a pathway to knowing You better. And, well, that's the whole point of me being here. To know You and to love You and to help other people to know and love You, too.
So, do what You need to do, Lord. I will stay right here in this hurtful, holy place. I will hold still for as long as it takes to be well and whole.
I will hold still and remember who You are. Be glorified in me, Lord (Psalm 46:10).
I will hold still and let You complete the good work You've started in me. Make me more like You, Lord (Philippians 1:6).
I will hold still and watch You fight for me. Be my defender and my safe place (Exodus 14:14).
In the faithful name of Jesus, I pray, AMEN