I held my wife’s hand as the surgeon sliced open a cist, stuck a probe into it, and cleaned it out while blood and puss squirted out. All of this was done without anesthetic because she is allergic to most of them. The nurses, surgeons, and I were all amazed by my wife’s bravery.
Why would anyone subject themselves to such pain? Because infection is serious and healing requires it. We live in a culture that expects and demands quick and easy healing. Take a pill, read a Bible verse, say a prayer, wave a magic wand and the pain is gone. But too often it isn’t.
The Christian faith takes seriously our human condition. Sin is an infection that often surfaces and makes us miserable. Quick cures can distract us from our troubles. They don’t hurt, but don’t last. The only permanent solution is a cross with probes pounded through hands and feet, done without anesthetic and blood spurting everywhere. We are cured by pain, and I am amazed at the willingness of my Savior to suffer. My wife’s pain brought courageous healing to her but did nothing to heal you. Jesus’ pain did nothing for Him, but can do everything for you.