I'm always learning something new and sometimes what I learn, I wish I hadn't! Let me share with you what I learned from my hospital visit today and my MRI.

What I learned from my MRI is nothing about my shoulder yet, but something I didn't know about myself. I learned that I'm claustrophobic. What I experienced was totally unexpected.

I have had MRI's before, but always went in feet first. If you have never experienced it, let me share my perception of what transpired. The technician first immobilized my shoulder with a special device they strapped on, then they wrapped me up and tied me down to the table so that I couldn't move my arms or body, stuck almost sound proof earphones over my ears and then shoved me head first inside a big hollow tube just large enough to accommodate my body. At one point the thought, "This must be what it's like to be buried alive in a coffin," did float through my mind. To be fair, the technician asked me, "Have you ever had an MRI before?" To which I answered, "Yes." She said, "Well, then you know what to expect." Both of us assuming that I did; Wrong Assumption!

I almost had a panic attack, I was right on the edge I think, but I fought it down and did a lot of praying, but thought it would never end and was never so relieved in my life when it did. I knew I never cared for closed places, such as caves, but had no idea that this would affect me in that way. If I ever have to have another one I will request one of the new open MRI machines, or a sedative, I think! Having talked to others who have had the same experience, I know many of you understand exactly what I'm talking about.

Every day I learn something new.

As I have spent most of the day processing what happened I realized that I actually had learned several lessons, other than I don't like tight places where I am unable to extradite myself. I also learned what it was like to be completely at the mercy of someone else for your safety. There was literally no way I could have gotten free from the tie downs, straps and such which held me fast. That's exactly the same way we are spiritually in the world, isn't it? Remember the quote on the top of this article, "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience."

In part of that "human experience," we are sometimes completely incapacitated by Satan and the sin with which he entices us. We are wholly unable to get free of the sin and the consequences by our self. God recognized this and loves us enough that he sent his only son to be put into a place much like I was, a place where there was no escape, not because he had to, but because he loved me enough to change places with me. His word tells us, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Another thing I learned was how much the touch of that technician calmed my racing heart. When the procedure was over, she laid her hand on my foot and told me we were finished. I was filled with a sense of relief. It's the same when Jesus our Savior touches our life, isn't it? It stills our racing heart, gives us peace and frees us from that which binds us in that dark place!

Every day, I learn something new, how about you? Could it be that you need to learn of the one who is called, "Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God," "Everlasting Father," and especially, the "Prince of Peace!" (Isaiah 9:6)

 

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© 2008 Russ Lawson, Messages from the Heart. All rights reserved.

Title: "Having a Human Experience"
Author: Russ Lawson
Publication Date: September 28, 2008

The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language by Eugene H. Peterson Many have awaited the day Eugene Peterson would complete the entire Bible in his unique translational-paraphrase. Well, the wait is over!

Russ Lawson is a former missionary to Africa and minister in Ohio. He now works with World Christian Literature Outreach and writes a weekly email devotional, Messages from the Heart. For more information about Russ, click here.

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