Gratitude for What I Cannot See

I have watched as a loved one recovers from the devastation of third-degree burns. Beneath the anguish, behind the suffering, lies a lesson in gratitude for what I cannot see. Sometimes the most profound truths are revealed through the severest sorrows.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

1 Corinthians 15:57

Is it possible to have gratitude for what I cannot see? 

There are times when healing begins so deep it cannot be seen for a time. Such times in life can be agonizing. Such times require much patience and trust.

According to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, “Third-degree burns damage or completely destroy both layers of skin including hair follicles and sweat glands and damage underlying tissues. These burns always require skin grafts.”

The pain from burns is excruciating. The body reacts with an explosive inflammatory response and often goes into shock to handle the trauma. Bodily functions slow down so all energy can race to the wound sites. Healing is slow.

The surgeon’s duty is to excise the dead flesh all the way down to the level where the blood still flows. He must masterfully excavate the life beneath the death. His work is in vain if he does not build upon the life-giving force of the blood. New skin cells placed upon dead will result in death. But if he succeeds in exposing the blood layer, a process called debridement, or cleansing of the wound, he will succeed in rebuilding new flesh.

For those watching and waiting for new life, the miracle beneath the surface cannot be seen. The blood pulsing through the new cells, regenerating, multiplying, and creating fresh skin is a hidden work, at least in the long beginning.

But it is indeed a work of new life, and it is certainly happening. The doctors promise that those standing vigil will see healing with their eyes if they will be patient.

Faith makes it possible to have #gratitude for what we cannot see. #Thanksgiving2019 Share on X

How often is God at work in the deepest places, the hidden places of our wounded hearts and lives? If we are brave enough to allow His masterful hand to excise what is lifeless all the way down to where the blood flows from Calvary, we can rest in the certainty that we will be made new.

Hold on, dear one. Hold on. It is the blood of Christ that has made new life a certainty for everyone who will trust Him.

Lord, help me find gratitude even when the pain still sears and I can’t yet see. Amen.

@audreycfrank