Devotionals

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Thanks I Needed That

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Interlinear KJV. Romans 8:26-27. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. 2002)

I don’t like to be probed. It’s unsettling, embarrassing, and sometimes painful. My dentist digs at sore gums and taps raw nerves; doctor palpates inflamed organs; the therapist, if I had one, would walk around inside my psyche. Ack. There is only one reason I submit to this poking and prodding: it is for a greater good. I would rather endure a little pain now, than a whole lot later on.

I wasn’t always this philosophical about examinations. I avoided doctor visits and ran screaming if anybody mentioned going to the dentist. But years passed and I learned that a root canal hurts more than an explorer. Breast cancer is worse than a mammogram. Nervous breakdowns are not fun. I may have been a slow learner, but I did learn.

The Holy Spirit is also a prober, a prober of my spirit. He also does it to my ultimate profit. He may bring abrasive people into my life. Why do I react? Because ‘voila’ He’s hit a sore spot that needs work. If I flee from Him, He cannot help me. But if I stretch myself on the examining table, surrender to His probing, He will find the putrid tissue and knead it back to health.

This holiday season the Holy Spirit did a bit of pushing and mashing. At first I didn’t like it. But in the wee hour He spoke, gentle but plain.

“It’s me. Remember me? Painful, is it? Does it hurt right there? I know. Just relax. How about over here? This one may pinch a little, but it won’t last. Now cough for me. Is that tender?”

“Ouch. Well, yes and no. Now that I know it’s You Lord it feels, well, not as bad. I guess this sounds bizzare, but actually it’s starting to feel kind of good.”

Beloved Physician. In the coming year I ask You help me not to shrink from holy probing. Keep me in remembrance it is all to my greater good.

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