I am currently halfway through a hospital work placement in central western NSW. Originally, I was assigned to work on the rehabilitation ward, but was transferred at the last minute onto the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Totally opposite to rehab! My instant thought was, “I haven’t prepared for this!” I was afraid of seeing people in such terrible conditions, hanging onto life. But what wonderful lessons my Lord is teaching me, of which I want to share.

I quickly realised this place was the house of death where many patients had one foot already in the grave. Here they deteriorate rapidly, requiring a nurse present at all times. Oh how this got me thinking! Recently I have been learning of God's great love for us and His power to free and deliver all who by faith take hold of Jesus. At this ICU it is clear that the purpose of Satan is to destroy us, Gods property. 

Jesus says,

“The thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”  ~ John 10:10

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A most beautiful promise is found in Hebrews 2:14-15. It says that through Jesus' death, He destroyed him that had the power of death, that is the devil, and delivered them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Each of us have been sold under sin and have become slaves. Jesus said: 

“Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin.” ~ John 8:34 

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What are the characteristics of a slave? He cannot do what he pleases, and is bound to do the will of another, no matter how tiresome it is. The fact that sin controls us proves we are slaves. But the slavery becomes unendurable when we see a glimpse of freedom! We long for it, yet cannot break the chains that bind us to sin. How many have resolved and resolved again, and yet in the face of temptation are weak as water. Life is a constant struggle against sin, but constant defeat as well. Would you call this a true Christian experience? I thought it was. Many think it is. Oh dear friends, this is not true! Who in answer to our earnest cries reveals himself as a deliverer? The apostle Paul declares,

 “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” ~ Romans 7:25

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Says Jesus: 

“If you continue in My word, then you are my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” ~ John 8:31,32,36.

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This freedom comes to everyone that believes, keeping Jesus in our hearts. Jesus came to deliver us from captivity; not from warfare and struggles, but from defeat; enabling us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! So then, as soon as we become free from the bondage of sin, we become servants of Christ! But the Lord’s servant is free! What victory!

And now comes the conflict again. Satan is not ready to give us up so quickly. He comes armed with fierce temptation to drive us to his service. We know by sad experience that without help we cannot resist. Then we call to mind that we are not Satan’s servants any longer. We have submitted ourselves to God and are accepted as His servants. Then we can say:

“O Lord, truly I am Thy servant; I am Thy servant, Thou hast loosed my bonds.” ~ Psalm 116:16.

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Believe that He has, for He cares for His own and will keep us from evil. As instruments in the hands of Jesus there is victory and great peace!

Today all around us are people struggling, longing for light and help. I have been fascinated at the care and dedication of the nurses towards these ICU patients and it reminded me of similar spiritual help for those facing crisis. Through prayer let us create our own intensive care unit where we lift precious souls to Jesus for deliverance! Ask God who He wants you to add to your unit that they may get divine help and strength! Help them grasp the hand of Jesus who has already won the victory!

“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” ~ Isaiah 41:13

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