Yeah, God Wants to Work There Too

By Dale Russell

I had a knee replaced a couple of weeks ago. I had no intimate knowledge of such things other than relatives or friends who experienced the same. Lots of reassurances, but no one can say exactly how this would go for me. Thus, it is easy to take off on your own at any given time to imagine… well. lots of things.

As I am well into the recovery mode and joyous for the success, there are those first few days that test many levels of your emotions AND again, your imagination. Here is a brief overview of these first six days, but there has to be so much more.

In the middle of the night, last night, I had a bit of a revelation of how my recovery compares to the Adults in Custody (AIC) as they first enter the prison system and days beyond. Weird, I know, but please bear with me as I try to sort this all out. We DO NOT want this to be the result of pain meds residual, but strange things can happen at 3a.

DAY 1

MY CHALLENGE   One hour post surgery – I can’t move my leg no matter how hard I try. My mind says “go” and the leg says no one is home. On top of the rebellion, a gradual increase in pain seems on the horizon. Not sure who is yelling the most, the bones or the incision. At this point innocent thoughts can become demanding dictators.

THE AIC CHALLENGE   I was just sentenced for a crime. My mind is going in so many directions. I have not been in prison before. What is next? Am I about to see the pain of prison? What does that look like? What will I become?

MY PROCESS   As my imagination can easily seem like reality, I have to consider all carefully . My bones just got chopped and new parts glued on. Picture that. From what I understand, this has successfully been done hundreds of thousands of times before, but those offending bone tips worked for 70+ years. Can we say the same for that glue?  All things (including this one) have a purpose and usually, a success story. I need to choose success and lock it down.

I can’t sleep the first night because the pain is a bit much. It’s not time for meds, so out comes the iPad at 3:00a and I listen to worship music for the next 3 hours. I’m peaceful (and sleepy) as the time slips by quickly. Within the music are the reminders of promises God made a long time ago – He knew I needed them again.

Pleasant words are as a honeycomb,
    sweet to the soul and health to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

THE AIC PROCESS   My life just drastically changed, never to be the same. After the impersonal entry to prison, the bed is hard, the pillow shallow, and sleep evades me. My cellmate, a stranger, knows my plight and offers his only reading material, a Bible. My grandma used to take me to church. I hated every minute of it, but now I’m surprised to realize I just read for two hours, gently falling asleep.

MY SUCCESS   I detested politicians during COVID as they “took charge”, secretly convincing themselves “a crisis cannot be wasted” and we all need government to keep us alive. The story of my leg must be examined carefully. Wasting the opportunity could easily shut out what does God wants to show or say. His plans are not on hold simply because my bones have been altered. Keep praying, reading, watching, and listening. He loves to show up with story elements. Do not miss the story.

THE AIC SUCCESS   My cellmate has no hesitation in telling me he is a believer in Jesus. Not sure what that means, but I do remember encounters with those types before. I’m looking for every way possible to fit in, so when he invites me to a chapel service, I see opportunities to connect with people who can help me inside here. Little did I know the Holy Spirit would be there to capture me. The message that morning was all about peace. I never knew peace – always fear.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” 

John 14:27

I gave my life to the Lord that day and am so grateful for a new life in Him. It took prison to find Him.

DAY 3

MY CHALLENGE   The inability to raise my leg is high on the concern list. I can’t imagine how this will change anytime soon. We have a temporary handicap placard for the car with a May expiration date. Is that how long this will take? Will I walk with a limp?

THE AIC CHALLENGE   I have 20 years to serve. What will I look or be like then? Can I avoid the pitfalls from my past? Who will accept me on the outside? Will anyone believe I can be different?

MY PROCESS   Embrace the opportunity for discovery. Realize hidden talents in your caregiver (wife Sandy) who could shine at times like this. You have more reasons to love and appreciate them!  Expect to win AND expect the enemy to use any opportunity to bring you down. You are in defense mode. Cast out your imagination. How often does it invent “truth” that takes you down a negative trail?

THE AIC PROCESS   Once I have discovered how pleasant it is to be inwardly still, I see opportunities to grow. Someone saw me doodling on paper and appreciated my art skills. He invited me to sit in on some art group.

MY SUCCESS   On the 4^th day I could raise my leg from resting position. That might seem a small accomplishment, but it was a joyful day to mark on the calendar. More time is needed to listen to the Lord, not just fire off physical requests. God is worthy to be sought out for bigger things AND getting better just got easier.

THE AIC SUCCESS  That art group blew me away. They draw AND have a purpose for doing it. They actually help orphans in Uganda. What a concept! What a change in thought process for me. I was always searching for “what’s in it for me?”  I have never imagined defining myself with purpose.

DAY 5

MY CHALLENGE    Why an increase in pain today? Can’t we be done by now? Must be careful not to fall backwards in hope or peace. At first, a thought seems harmless. You entertain it. You share some innocent conversation. But then it wants bigger chunks of your time. It seeps beyond the boundaries of your self-control. It distorts your attitudes and actions. Gradually, this thought morphs from friendly guest to demanding dictator. I do sense I will quickly wear out my sweat pants in this process of position testing and pain control.

THE AIC CHALLENGE   Carrying peace anytime of the day has been challenging. Twice today my old self rose up with anger, and was ready to burst out. I took one minute to reflect on what God has done and then ask myself why is anger the first tool in in my mental toolbox? Where did I learn that and why does it show up so quickly?

MY PROCESS    If we ignore the fact that pain serves as an important reminder, we lose. It has a way of reminding you to pray for those who have long term pain or physical challenges. It’s always easy to casually say you will pray for someone and then forget 10 min. later. Let pain be the reminder. It makes it much more personal and I’m spending much more time praying for others.

Promises are so easy to find if we leave room for the discovery. Then memorize. That tool should be the easy one to quickly grab.

“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”

Psalm 119:50

Look for the supernatural in ALL things. You will never be bored or distracted.

We have this hope as an anchor for our lives. It is safe and sure, and goes through

the curtain of the heavenly temple into the inner sanctuary.

Hebrews 6:19

THE AIC PROCESS    I went to chapel again and then a bible study. Why have I been so far away from these things for so long? I’m learning, reading and praying. My focus is thankfulness, forgiveness and actually listening to others. All new to me, but there is a smile on my face.

MY SUCCESS   Forget any message the pain might want to relay. It can change in minutes. Picture your mind as a harbor: Thoughts sail in and out, and you invite some to drop anchor. If I carry a dependence on God, I will always be in a place of great stories, hope and joy. Those always outweigh the physical distractions.

THE AIC SUCCESS   Today I learned more about how to find hope. Hope was always artificial before. Now it leads me to genuine friendships, concern for others, a world view, and now I get excited about how God will lead to seasons of joy.

Up to now, you have asked nothing in my name.

Ask and you will receive so that your joy will be complete.

John 16:24