Hope and disappointment … we live in this space as nurses. Our patients; the individuals, families and communities we serve; those of us in academia and our students also know this place. Hope and disappointment are realities of life.
Recently Lisa Liou, InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries Western Regional Director, spoke about the events surrounding the death of Lazarus in the Bible. She noted how we often feel, like the people in that situation, that Jesus shows up to our disappointment, pain, and loss four days too late (John 11:17). We wonder, “Where is Jesus? Does He care?” Lazarus’ story reminds us how Jesus shares our pain as John records two simple words: “Jesus wept” (John 11: 35).
But Jesus was not there to accept death. He brought those who were there to a place of deep vulnerability. He asked for the stone sealing Lazarus’ tomb to be rolled away (John 11: 39). This meant everyone would have to deal with the smell of a dead body. Martha acknowledged this openly (John 11: 39). Mary and Martha had to ask if they trusted the Savior to bring life back to their brother.
In your and my life, there are places of death and decay. I know the places where I have sealed off my heart. I’m an expert at burying my hurt. It’s not just closing a door; it’s also building a 3-foot thick wall on either side of the door. And then Jesus says, “Open the door.” Only when I invite Him into my dead, rotten places can I experience life again.
Abraham Kuyper, a Dutch theologian and statesman, said, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, ‘Mine!’”
Be reminded--you are not alone in your disappointment. Christ offers you hope. Know that we at Nurses Christian Fellowship are here to support you in your practice. Reach out to us. Join NCF for a myriad of benefits professionally and personally. Ask God to speak to you through one of our Bible studies. Let us pray for you. Join or start a professional nurse group. Open the door.
Christy Secor, RN, DNP, CDWF, is NCF’s Professional Ministries Director.
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