LESSONS FROM A HOSPITAL BED
By John Piper
IVP. 76 pages. £4.99
ISBN 978 1 783 594 238
As wind-driven rain discovers a leak in the roof, so trials coming to the Christian test the soundness of his faith. When sickness throws its dark cloak over us, it is a time when we discover just what we are made of. Past achievements, reputation, grasp of theology – and our dignity – simply evaporate.
As the writer honestly shares: ‘Picture the difference between John Piper with his sports jacket preaching to thousands and the John Piper with his blue and white, split-down-the-back hospital robe hobbling to the bathroom in his non-slip, brown footies, dragging the intravenous roller with him’ (p.61)
Season of blessing
Times in hospital for the unbeliever can serve no good purpose, but for the Christian, they can, under God’s hand, turn out to be seasons of blessing. It is for this reason that this short, helpful book was written. Short because when ill ‘you don’t have time or strength to read’ and helpful because it is packed with wise counsel from one who has both deep pastoral insight and also the unwelcome experience of being in hospital.
This little book is divided into two parts -‘Ten beliefs I brought with me into hospital’ and ‘Ten lessons from my hospital bed’. Part One is written to lay out the bedrock upon which the writer’s faith is based, so that the reader may know where he is ‘coming from’. (Permission is given to skip this part if time, strength or desire is lacking). In Part Two, Piper, with typical grace, humility and honesty, gives tips on how cope in this season of trial. He covers practical advice on matters such as the tendency to complain, being aware of the mind-numbing effect surrounding noise can have, how to focus on God when physical, mental and spiritual supplies are low, being a witness in this temporary mission field: ‘We are in hospital by design, on a mission. Let your light shine’ (p. 45).
This book is a little gem. Good for a church leadership to have a supply to give to a church member about to enter hospital (if notice given!) or to take as a gift to one already ‘inside’. Might even be good to give to someone not yet a Christian, but seeking.
