The Hope You Need

My son Hunter had been having pain in his left elbow. He mentioned it to my husband and I casually but didn’t make a big deal about it initially. He was a teenager, so we thought it might just be growing pains. Months later, when the pain continued to increase, he brought it up to us again.

Off to the doctor we went, not knowing what to think about the mysterious, lingering pain. After a brief physical evaluation, the doctor ordered that x-rays be taken. Soon after, he peeked his head back in the exam room and gave me the “come with me” finger-wag.

Eew. Okay.

I followed him out to the light board that illuminated Hunter’s new bone pictures. Dr. Joe started off with this simple statement. “Hunter has a bone problem.” He went on to explain that he had an OCD lesion, and that it needed to be dealt with for him to experience relief from the pain and healing in his arm.

Lots of follow up appointments followed.

We met with a surgeon who specializes in elbows and shoulders, and gathered all the information we needed. Hunter had X-rays, MRIs, and MRIs with dye. He was poked and prodded and pressed. The professional conclusions were this: if Hunter’s elbow wasn’t fixed now, later in life it would completely lock up, rendering his arm unbendable.

Our response? Elbow surgery it is!

The morning of surgery, the nurse got his IV started and prepped his arm by cleaning it up really good. Then they carted Hunter away and the surgeon began his work. During surgery the bad areas of Hunter’s bone were removed, and then the doctor micro-fractured the area to cause bleeding. The fracturing of his bone exposed blood to the place of pain, which ultimately led him to fresh bone growth and healing.

I just can’t think of Hunter’s elbow surgery without thinking of Jesus.

Like Hunter, the body of Jesus needed to be broken so blood could flow, and healing could happen.

This is the simple Gospel. The good news! The very reason we celebrate Christmas.

The Son of God left His place of perfection in heaven and came to earth to mend our hearts and hurts. God’s love was poured out on humanity through the blood that was shed by Jesus. He became broken for us on a cross so that we could know forgiveness, hope and healing.

When Hunter first came to us, we didn’t know anything was wrong – just that there was a pain that needed addressed. Do you sense that something’s wrong in your life? Perhaps you can’t quite put your finger on it, but sense there’s more to faith than what you know. More to Jesus than what you’ve explored or accepted.

Are you struggling with pain, depression, anxiety or loneliness? Got any areas of brokenness that need mending?

The apostle Peter wrote about Jesus as being the hope we all need. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:3 NIV).

Jesus is our Living Hope. He’s our Merciful Majesty, the reason we sing all those wonderful songs at Christmas.

In this season of wintery wonder, I invite you to consider how God’s love heals hurts and clarifies confusions. The Bible explains it this way. “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). The Word also promises this, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV).

Listen, friend, Jesus is the Hope who heals. He’s the Master Surgeon who not only knows when and where we’re broken but is our ever-present Help in times of trouble. Considering this truth, we can celebrate the season of Christmas this year with fresh gratitude for the gifts of healing and hope.

Dear Lord, I need healing today. I need You, Jesus. Please forgive my sins and restore my hope. Help me to grow in Your love and to experience the purity and full life you promise in Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE

What area of your life needs healing or hope today? Spend some time in prayer, then reach out to a friend for prayer support.

Have you placed your faith in Jesus? If you don’t know the hope of Jesus but want to, click here.