I carry a seven-inch surgical scar on my right knee. It’s a constant reminder of a past trauma, a physical manifestation of a journey I’ve traveled. This scar isn’t just a mark on my skin; it’s a symbol of resilience and the understanding that healing comes in many forms.
Let’s rewind to 1987. I was involved in a rollover accident where my leg was severely twisted. Amidst numerous other injuries, the damage to my knee went undiagnosed, a consequence of what I now consider questionable medical practices. Even after being discharged from the hospital, the knee issue remained unresolved. It wasn’t until four months later, when I returned to work and gave chase to a suspect for strong-armed robbery, that my knee buckled, and I collapsed in pain.
This incident led to the discovery of a torn MCL and my first arthroscopic surgery. Being young, I ignored medical advice and continued physical activities that eventually led to the erosion of the inner components of the joint. In 2007, I underwent a second arthroscopy to address the damage. The doctor warned me that it was only a matter of time before the knee would completely fail, necessitating an artificial joint.
By 2013, the situation had deteriorated significantly. The cartilage was gone, the meniscus was worn away, bones were rubbing together, and a bone spur had developed on the inner knee. My surgeon described the MCL, ACL, and PCL’s as looking like “shredded drapes.” My response was, “Tell me something I don’t already know.” He then pointed out that my leg was about 20 degrees off-axis due to the bone spur, creating a visible outward bow.
This led to my third surgery – a complete knee replacement. My new joint is now composed of titanium and polyethylene, secured beneath the surgical scar. My leg is now straight, but the scar remains, a permanent reminder of the damage.
While my body has been repaired, the scar serves as a constant reminder of the past. It’s a physical scar, but we all carry scars, some physical, others emotional. God is in the business of healing wounds, but He doesn’t impose His will. We must seek Him as the Great Physician, understanding that true wellbeing involves spiritual healing, which may or may not always include physical healing.
Consider Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujicic, two individuals who have prayed for physical healing. Joni became a quadriplegic after a diving accident, while Nick was born without arms and legs. They both faced immense physical and emotional scars, yet they experienced profound spiritual healing and became instruments of God in remarkable ways. Their experiences highlight that clinging to anger or bitterness would have prevented them from fulfilling their purpose. They each understand that physical healing does not always lead to spiritual healing, but spiritual healing will lead to physical healing in eternity. As it is written, “… What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44.)
“But our citizenship is in heaven and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all thing to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21.)
Our lowly (broken, mutilated, deformed, disfigured, burned, or simply aged) body will be transformed into His glorious (perfect, complete, illuminating, magnificent, and ageless) body! This is where healing truly begins.
“… if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9.) This is followed by a series of decisions that reinforce daily renewal in your commitment. Jesus said, “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:25-26.)
Jesus is waiting in the symbolic emergency room. Are you ready to be healed?
-Jim