I don’t want this to sound like some sappy “look how tough I had it” story, for I was in the hospital only four days. However, I began to learn some important lessons that week. Maybe we have to be flat on our back before our minds are ready to learn them. I’m not “there” yet, but I think I’m learning.

I learned humility
I found out real soon that I am not as self-sufficient as I thought. From the moment they put that “gown” on me to the time I was released, I was dependent on someone or some machine. I didn’t like it, but such humility is part of what Jesus said in Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit...” We have to recognize that without Christ we can be of little value. With Him, however, we are part of the “kingdom of heaven.”

I learned to listen
I’ve done a lot of “telling” in my life, but those doctors and nurses knew more about me than I knew.

Some of us are similarly unwilling to listen to God and His Word. Many want to give advice to God, to tell Him what the Bible ought to say. Both Isaiah and Paul posed the rhetorical question, “Who has been God’s advisor?” Isaiah 40:13, Romans 11:34. All of us must learn to listen to God’s Word.

Nothing is guaranteed
Blood clots and infection are non-discriminating. They don’t care who or what you are. Our time on earth is limited, “even a vapor,” James 4:14. One doesn’t have to be morbid, or constantly fearful, but it is good to remember that death is the appointment all must meet. There are no guarantees of life or opportunities beyond the present moment. Therefore, we should make the best use of each day to live for Christ, who gave His life for us. Read Galatians 2:20.

I learned what love does
Someone has cynically said, “A friend in need is a pest,” but there is nothing as powerful as genuine love. When we exhibit that love, we teach lessons that words cannot. When we observe that love, whether expressed to others or to ourselves, we see Christ living among us. Those who sat with me, even those who laughed at my hospital “gown,” were learning “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” Acts 20:35. Some made calls; others sent cards. I’ve seen a lot of love recently, and for that I am thankful. Yes, I’m still learning some things I thought I already knew.

I learned compassion
Sure, I knew about compassion, but there I saw it first hand. Most of those in the hospital had much more serious problems than mine, but I saw them encourage, laugh, comfort, and help one another in their wheelchair. That’s compassion!

One man had both knees replaced at the same time. While my recovery has come fairly fast, he had already been there more than a week, and was still there when I left. Hopefully, I have begun to learn a lesson on forgetting self, and thinking about those with more troubles than mine.

I learned pain
I had been told there would be pain, and that will be with me for a while. Mine has been minimal compared to most, but recovery from full knee replacement demands that one does the exercises the way they must be done. Otherwise you are the loser. Pain can be a friend, warning us of danger, and reminding us of the need for caution.

There is, however, a greater pain than that of the flesh. Paul spoke to Christians who were weak, who wanted to go back to their worldly ways. His warning is clear:

“If we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain expectation of judgment and fiery indignation,” Hebrews 10:26-27.

Trouble and opportunity
Hospitals will always provide an occasion to take the love of Christ to others. Doctors, nurses, and patients alike have needs that are met only by the gospel. A hospital is filled with people for whom we can provide help and encouragement.

There are many circumstances in which there are those who need our help, our encouragement, our knowledge of the gospel, our love for the lost. Such opportunity gives us the responsibility to share the truth of the Gospel with others.

None of us can afford to ignore these lessons, for they all can have application in every Christian’s life.

If you haven’t been “flat on your back” lately, be thankful. But wherever you are, look for any opportunity to give help to those in need. Some lessons are tough, but more readily learned while “flat on your back.”

Carl B. Garner