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Lessons from a Hospital Bed
Sickness is hard. The combination of physical discomfort, emotional stress, anxious thoughts, and long stretches of boredom can make it difficult to remember--much less rely on and rejoice in--our good and sovereign God.
Reflecting on ten lessons he learned while recovering in the hospital, John Piper encourages those struggling with illness to fight for faith by focusing on the promises of God, the truth of the gospel, and the reality of eternity.
Reflecting on ten lessons he learned while recovering in the hospital, John Piper encourages those struggling with illness to fight for faith by focusing on the promises of God, the truth of the gospel, and the reality of eternity.
80 pages, Paperback
Published February 29, 2016
17 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
John Piper
609 books4,580 followersJohn Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 24, 2019
While this little book was short, I was very encouraged by it. John Piper is not only an amazing preacher, but he is an engaging and clear writer as well. He writes from his own experience with pain and illness to encourage and strengthen others. He reminded himself over and over that God is good and He is in control, even in suffering.
I found renewed strength and hope in reading this, and I highly recommend this to you not only if you are suffering, but to prepare you for it.
Not even the worst pain is wasted in His hands.
I found renewed strength and hope in reading this, and I highly recommend this to you not only if you are suffering, but to prepare you for it.
Not even the worst pain is wasted in His hands.
January 15, 2021
Now I know what short book to give either myself or others who are in a hospital and want to keep their eyes on Christ.
Read
January 16, 2021Probablemente regalaré este librito a aquellos que padecen en un hospital. Es directo y al punto, lleno de verdades bíblicas.
July 28, 2018
A wonderful little (80 pages!) book about facing illness with faith. While Piper writes primarily to people dealing with a long hospital stay due to a serious illness, many of his lessons apply easily to those dealing with chronic illnesses.
May 29, 2024
Pithy, sharp and helpful. Piper always finds a way to exalt in glory of Christ in the gospel in all situations and his practical advice on how to suffer in hospital is no different.
October 29, 2020
Yet another powerful little booklet by Piper. God-saturated, realist, encouraging. A true balm from Gilead for sick and momentarily healthy people (like myself in this occasion) alike. Many insights into the dynamics of the Christian life and how to prepare and live through the hard days. The book contains essential and helpful truths.
March 25, 2016
John Piper, Lessons From a Hospital Bed. Wheaton: Crossway, 2016. 77 pp. $7.99
Lessons From a Hospital Bed by John Piper is a book for sick people. It is a book for people who face the prospect of death. That is to say, it is a book that deserves to be read by all people. For each of us are plagued by the curse of the fall (Rom. 5:12). And while we may enjoy a measure of health, each of us will stare death in the face at some point.
Lessons From a Hospital Bed grew out of two specific experiences the author had after being hospitalized himself. In Part 1, Dr. Piper discusses ten beliefs that he brought to the hospital:
1. The Bible is the Word of God and should be trusted.
2. God is good.
3. God is wise and knows everything.
4. God is totally in control.
5. Sin is the ugly origin of ugly disease.
6. Jesus Christ died and rose to save sinners.
7. Sickness is not God’s first design or final plan for this world.
8. Satan is real and cruel but not in control.
9. Healing is possible now and certain later.
10. Your life and your illness are not meaningless.
Piper presents each principle is a few short pages and provides the supporting biblical rationale for readers to consider. Indeed, these beliefs are rock-solid biblical pillars that every believer needs to revisit on a regular basis.
In Part 2, the author includes ten principles that he learned in his brief stay in a hospital bed. These principles truly get to the heart of the matter. They are practical and challenging and help encourage a robust biblical faith.
I commend Piper’s work to all people and trust that this little book will be received well. Each of us will face the grave one day. Piper’s work is sure to encourage people as they make their way to the Celestial City!
Lessons From a Hospital Bed by John Piper is a book for sick people. It is a book for people who face the prospect of death. That is to say, it is a book that deserves to be read by all people. For each of us are plagued by the curse of the fall (Rom. 5:12). And while we may enjoy a measure of health, each of us will stare death in the face at some point.
Lessons From a Hospital Bed grew out of two specific experiences the author had after being hospitalized himself. In Part 1, Dr. Piper discusses ten beliefs that he brought to the hospital:
1. The Bible is the Word of God and should be trusted.
2. God is good.
3. God is wise and knows everything.
4. God is totally in control.
5. Sin is the ugly origin of ugly disease.
6. Jesus Christ died and rose to save sinners.
7. Sickness is not God’s first design or final plan for this world.
8. Satan is real and cruel but not in control.
9. Healing is possible now and certain later.
10. Your life and your illness are not meaningless.
Piper presents each principle is a few short pages and provides the supporting biblical rationale for readers to consider. Indeed, these beliefs are rock-solid biblical pillars that every believer needs to revisit on a regular basis.
In Part 2, the author includes ten principles that he learned in his brief stay in a hospital bed. These principles truly get to the heart of the matter. They are practical and challenging and help encourage a robust biblical faith.
I commend Piper’s work to all people and trust that this little book will be received well. Each of us will face the grave one day. Piper’s work is sure to encourage people as they make their way to the Celestial City!
December 4, 2019
Boas palavras do Piper para um momento tão delicado como é um leito de um hospital. Verdades simples e profundas para consolar o paciente e acompanhante.
July 25, 2019
Excellent booklet from John Piper! I found it to have a little more depth than his pamphlet “Don’t Waste Your Cancer,” while still being a short and concise enough read for a suffering person to still reasonably be able to read through it. Would definitely recommend! I bought this for a friend battling cancer and I hope and pray she finds it to be edifying as I have.
January 22, 2022
Extremely good! I initially thought this was about a pastors lessons learned from shepherding those in hospital beds, but it’s about practically clinging to Christ while personally walking through suffering.
I will definitely be revisiting this in the future.
I will definitely be revisiting this in the future.
May 10, 2024
Its okay..
March 16, 2016
Lessons From A Hospital Bed by John Piper is a fantastic short book. How short is short? Just 80 pages. Yet for being so very little, it magnifies a BIG GOD and declares some mighty truths.
The book is divided into two sections. The first part is "Ten Beliefs I Brought to the Hospital." Essentially these are ten oh-so-basic gospel truths that form the foundation of (Christian) living--in or out of a hospital. The first is "The Bible is the Word of God and should be trusted." The tenth is "Your life and your illness are not meaningless." The other eight are just as good, I promise.
The second part of the book is "Ten Lessons From My Hospital Bed." I know a little something about learning lessons from a hospital bed myself. I spent 12 days in the hospital in December 2015, 9 of those days in a cancer ward. (My tumor turned out not to be cancer like they first thought.) I learned a LOT, believe me. So I was curious what Piper learned and if we'd share any lessons in common. We did a few. His first lesson was "Don't murmor about delays and inefficiencies in the hospital when you are getting medical care that surpasses by a hundredfold what is available in 90 percent of the world."
I want to quote from this first chapter:
This thought occurred to me over and over again. How fortunate I am to be alive today; to be living at this time and to have faced this crisis in 2015 instead of 1915! I don't doubt that I probably would have died if I'd been living a hundred years ago or 150 years ago as Piper mentions.
He also mentions the importance of not grumbling or complaining.
I knew one thing that was very important to me personally. To NOT act like my grandmother did in the hospital. The first thing she did was make ENEMIES of all the nurses within minutes. It didn't matter how long or how short her stay. Nurses are your advocates, your helpers, you want them on YOUR side. Plus, I agree that you don't meet people accidentally.
He mentions in several chapters about how difficult and challenging it can be to focus when you're in the hospital. Both because you are in a lot of pain and you are surrounded by a lot of noise. The fifth lesson is "Realize that physical pain makes focusing on God's promises more difficult and demands greater concentrating effort."
He writes,
This is one reason why Bible reading is so important. You need to have these truths stored away in your heart for you never know WHEN you're going to need them.
I especially loved the tenth lesson: "Pray that none of these hospital hours, none of this pain, none of these fears, none of these relationships, none of this life-altering season will be wasted."
We may or may not have a choice on if we suffer, if we are in pain, if we face a long--or even a short--illness. But we can choose to glorify God through it all, no matter what. We can choose to rejoice, to praise God, to hold onto the hope that we have in Him, we can cling all the more to a Savior who KNOWS exactly what we need at any moment.
The book is divided into two sections. The first part is "Ten Beliefs I Brought to the Hospital." Essentially these are ten oh-so-basic gospel truths that form the foundation of (Christian) living--in or out of a hospital. The first is "The Bible is the Word of God and should be trusted." The tenth is "Your life and your illness are not meaningless." The other eight are just as good, I promise.
The second part of the book is "Ten Lessons From My Hospital Bed." I know a little something about learning lessons from a hospital bed myself. I spent 12 days in the hospital in December 2015, 9 of those days in a cancer ward. (My tumor turned out not to be cancer like they first thought.) I learned a LOT, believe me. So I was curious what Piper learned and if we'd share any lessons in common. We did a few. His first lesson was "Don't murmor about delays and inefficiencies in the hospital when you are getting medical care that surpasses by a hundredfold what is available in 90 percent of the world."
I want to quote from this first chapter:
Instead of focusing on the fact that your nurse isn't responding or the man in the next bed is snoring or the intravenous device is beeping or the ice chips have run out, think about the fact that 150 years ago you would probably be dead by this point. And if not, you might be groaning in unrelieved pain with no morphine to help. And you may have no clue what's wrong with you or whether or not you are dying.
This thought occurred to me over and over again. How fortunate I am to be alive today; to be living at this time and to have faced this crisis in 2015 instead of 1915! I don't doubt that I probably would have died if I'd been living a hundred years ago or 150 years ago as Piper mentions.
He also mentions the importance of not grumbling or complaining.
Do you want to 'shine as a light' in the medical world? The Bible says, the bright of your shining is the absence of your grumbling. Amazing! Why is freedom from grumbling so bright and amazing? Because grumbling is the most natural thing in the world. When we grumble, we act like everybody else. You don't need the Holy Spirit to grumble. You don't need Christ to grumble. You don't need love to grumble. You don't need faith to grumble. All you need is your own entitled self.
I knew one thing that was very important to me personally. To NOT act like my grandmother did in the hospital. The first thing she did was make ENEMIES of all the nurses within minutes. It didn't matter how long or how short her stay. Nurses are your advocates, your helpers, you want them on YOUR side. Plus, I agree that you don't meet people accidentally.
He mentions in several chapters about how difficult and challenging it can be to focus when you're in the hospital. Both because you are in a lot of pain and you are surrounded by a lot of noise. The fifth lesson is "Realize that physical pain makes focusing on God's promises more difficult and demands greater concentrating effort."
He writes,
It's not just the barrage of sounds that disorient our souls; it's the pain. I don't want this to blindside you. The very thing we need God for can blur our vision of God. At this point, it is so very important that you have in your heart some very simple, short biblical truths about God that you can declare to yourself. Long complex reasoning about God's sovereignty and goodness won't work in this situation, because the pain is too disorienting. It doesn't allow the mind to work at full capacity. What you need is this: "The Lord is my Shepherd." Period. "Christ gave himself for me." Period. "I will never leave you." Period. "Nothing is too hard for the Lord." Period. "Everything works for good." Period. These are like white stones with your name on them. And you hold them in your hand as you groan and wait.
This is one reason why Bible reading is so important. You need to have these truths stored away in your heart for you never know WHEN you're going to need them.
I especially loved the tenth lesson: "Pray that none of these hospital hours, none of this pain, none of these fears, none of these relationships, none of this life-altering season will be wasted."
We may or may not have a choice on if we suffer, if we are in pain, if we face a long--or even a short--illness. But we can choose to glorify God through it all, no matter what. We can choose to rejoice, to praise God, to hold onto the hope that we have in Him, we can cling all the more to a Savior who KNOWS exactly what we need at any moment.
March 6, 2023
Biography of Author
John Piper is founder and lead teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. He served for thirty-three years as a pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is the author of more than fifty books.
Book Summary and Main Topics
The book is a short summary of the Reformed, Evangelical, Christian faith, as well how those theological principles can be applied to one’s life as a patient in the hospital.
The book starts with a thoughtful introduction by a well known Christian quadriplegic. The book then proceeds into ten foundational theological truths, followed by ten applications of those theologies. The foundational truths include that (1) the Bible is the Word of God, (2) God is good, (3) God is wise and knows everything, (4) God is totally in control, (5) sin is the origin of disease, (6) Jesus Christ died and rose for sinners, (7) sickness is not God’s first design or final plan for this world, (8) Satan is real and cruel, but not in control, (9) healing is possible now and certain later, and (10) your life and your illness are not meaningless.
The ten applications follow to instruct the sick patient (1) not to grumble, (2) to be on guard to battle a lack of peace and quiet, (3) to not turn on the available television, (4) to pray and evangelize to the people you meet, (5) to understand that physical pain makes it hard to focus on God, (6) to get help from a family member or friend, (7) to be humble, (8) to realize that the sickness around you is due to sin, (9) to trust that Jesus is the great Physician, and (10) that no pain is meaningless or worthless. The book ends with a prayer by the author.
Critical Look
The intended audience is a sick person in the hospital. The author speaks directly to the reader as if the reader is very ill, and as such, intellectually compromised. However, at times, the author gives advice to the reader on how to prepare for the hospital stay, so the intended audience changes to someone who is not sick yet.
The chapters are very short, easily digestible, to the point, and rich in Biblical truth. The opening ten theological truths agree with my understanding of the world and the Christian faith. I am always on the lookout for the gospel to be presented in any book, and was pleased to find the good news of Jesus Christ presented clearly and simply on page 30.
The ten applications are wise and insightful, and presented graciously. As a hospice chaplain in and out of visiting hospital patients quite frequently, I immediately saw the value of what the author presented. On a side note, I read the whole book in one sitting, while in the bathtub, soaking and suffering from a broken rib. Though I was not in the hospital, I found much of the content uplifting to my spirit.
The Value of the Book
The author’s intent is to uplift and encourage a sick Christian with God. Though he touches on each of these topics, he does not set out to discipline the wayward Christian, apologetically defend the faith, intellectually convert sinners, and harmonize the goodness and sovereignty of God in light of this world’s pain and suffering. (Those are done in other works by the author.) The fact that this theological author can summarize such glorious truths into such small, caring, applicable, and digestible readings reveals his pastoral heart and giftedness.
I expect that devout evangelical Christians will find the book familiar and yet creatively helpful to connect with God. I can see how God could use the book to bring nominal Christians back to Himself. I am honestly unsure how a non-Christian would react to the book. The point is not, however, to assess the spiritual health of the sick person, but rather to help the sick person through the trial by pointing him or her to the God of the Bible. Everyone I know is either suffering from a major health crisis, or knows someone who is, and as such, everyone I know could benefit from this little book. In the one case, to prepare those of us who are not sick to better care for those who are and to prepare ourselves for the hospital stay. Or in the other case, as a sick person, to benefit from the Biblical and pastoral instruction on how to suffer well, how to call upon God, and how to wait upon God. Lord, help me to enjoy You, and to wait upon You, in all circumstances. Amen.
John Piper is founder and lead teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. He served for thirty-three years as a pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is the author of more than fifty books.
Book Summary and Main Topics
The book is a short summary of the Reformed, Evangelical, Christian faith, as well how those theological principles can be applied to one’s life as a patient in the hospital.
The book starts with a thoughtful introduction by a well known Christian quadriplegic. The book then proceeds into ten foundational theological truths, followed by ten applications of those theologies. The foundational truths include that (1) the Bible is the Word of God, (2) God is good, (3) God is wise and knows everything, (4) God is totally in control, (5) sin is the origin of disease, (6) Jesus Christ died and rose for sinners, (7) sickness is not God’s first design or final plan for this world, (8) Satan is real and cruel, but not in control, (9) healing is possible now and certain later, and (10) your life and your illness are not meaningless.
The ten applications follow to instruct the sick patient (1) not to grumble, (2) to be on guard to battle a lack of peace and quiet, (3) to not turn on the available television, (4) to pray and evangelize to the people you meet, (5) to understand that physical pain makes it hard to focus on God, (6) to get help from a family member or friend, (7) to be humble, (8) to realize that the sickness around you is due to sin, (9) to trust that Jesus is the great Physician, and (10) that no pain is meaningless or worthless. The book ends with a prayer by the author.
Critical Look
The intended audience is a sick person in the hospital. The author speaks directly to the reader as if the reader is very ill, and as such, intellectually compromised. However, at times, the author gives advice to the reader on how to prepare for the hospital stay, so the intended audience changes to someone who is not sick yet.
The chapters are very short, easily digestible, to the point, and rich in Biblical truth. The opening ten theological truths agree with my understanding of the world and the Christian faith. I am always on the lookout for the gospel to be presented in any book, and was pleased to find the good news of Jesus Christ presented clearly and simply on page 30.
The ten applications are wise and insightful, and presented graciously. As a hospice chaplain in and out of visiting hospital patients quite frequently, I immediately saw the value of what the author presented. On a side note, I read the whole book in one sitting, while in the bathtub, soaking and suffering from a broken rib. Though I was not in the hospital, I found much of the content uplifting to my spirit.
The Value of the Book
The author’s intent is to uplift and encourage a sick Christian with God. Though he touches on each of these topics, he does not set out to discipline the wayward Christian, apologetically defend the faith, intellectually convert sinners, and harmonize the goodness and sovereignty of God in light of this world’s pain and suffering. (Those are done in other works by the author.) The fact that this theological author can summarize such glorious truths into such small, caring, applicable, and digestible readings reveals his pastoral heart and giftedness.
I expect that devout evangelical Christians will find the book familiar and yet creatively helpful to connect with God. I can see how God could use the book to bring nominal Christians back to Himself. I am honestly unsure how a non-Christian would react to the book. The point is not, however, to assess the spiritual health of the sick person, but rather to help the sick person through the trial by pointing him or her to the God of the Bible. Everyone I know is either suffering from a major health crisis, or knows someone who is, and as such, everyone I know could benefit from this little book. In the one case, to prepare those of us who are not sick to better care for those who are and to prepare ourselves for the hospital stay. Or in the other case, as a sick person, to benefit from the Biblical and pastoral instruction on how to suffer well, how to call upon God, and how to wait upon God. Lord, help me to enjoy You, and to wait upon You, in all circumstances. Amen.
April 11, 2018
(4.5 stars)
I read this book for the first time shortly after my surgery and wished I'd had it with me. Rereading it this week, sick in bed for the tenth time in less than six months, I find it just as encouraging.
"When focus is hard, trust is hard."
Haven't I found that to be true with my brain fog! So I really appreciated how he emphasized praying or meditating on one sentence or phrase when the distraction or pain is high. This lifted a weight of guilt from me that I didn't realize I was carrying. "You mean, if I can only repeat the first phrase of Ps. 23 over and over instead of making it through the entire thing, that's okay?" Wow. This makes me breathe easier.
I recommend this booklet not only to those with upcoming stays in the hospital but also to those living house- or bed-bound; I think the lessons are still applicable.
I read this book for the first time shortly after my surgery and wished I'd had it with me. Rereading it this week, sick in bed for the tenth time in less than six months, I find it just as encouraging.
"When focus is hard, trust is hard."
Haven't I found that to be true with my brain fog! So I really appreciated how he emphasized praying or meditating on one sentence or phrase when the distraction or pain is high. This lifted a weight of guilt from me that I didn't realize I was carrying. "You mean, if I can only repeat the first phrase of Ps. 23 over and over instead of making it through the entire thing, that's okay?" Wow. This makes me breathe easier.
I recommend this booklet not only to those with upcoming stays in the hospital but also to those living house- or bed-bound; I think the lessons are still applicable.
August 28, 2016
This is short, yet packed book. I read it not at a time when I was in the hospital, but I can imagine it would be quite helpful for those times. I am particularly thankful for the reality/humanity shown in this text... you feel that you are able to leave the visage of the preacher standing in front of thousands and are, rather, talking around the dinner table with a seasoned saint who, though a bit battle-worn, is fully lucid and resolute in who God is.
December 11, 2023
Šīm grāmatiņām būtu jābūt katrā slimnīcā un katra kristieša kalpošanas arsenālā. Tā palīdzēs arī pašam sagatavoties gaidāmam laikam slimnīcā vai paķert līdzi brīdī, kad tāds laiks pienācis negaidot.
Every hospital should have these. A great gift when visiting a christian in hospital. Helps to prepare for staying in hospital and how to glorify God in that situation.
Every hospital should have these. A great gift when visiting a christian in hospital. Helps to prepare for staying in hospital and how to glorify God in that situation.
March 29, 2016
Concise. Helpful for someone in the hospital or for help on how to care for souls that are in the hospital. Free PDF @ www.desiringgod.org
March 28, 2019
This book -LESSONS FROM A HOSPITAL BED by John Piper- is about one man's Biblical perspective of illness, what to think about it, how to think of your healing time as not a waste, and other lessons. Joni Erickson Tada writes the forward.
The author has the audacity to split this little book into two parts; I think it could have been consolidated, since this makes the two parts a bit repetitive. Perhaps he wanted to streamline the lessons and did not wish to pack them with too much if you just came for the lessons and not what is behind them. However, this is a minor quibble that I have with the book.
The first part is 10 Beliefs I Brought into the Hospital. The second part is 10 Lessons From My Hospital Bed. His introduction encourages you to skip ahead to the second part if you want to just get on with it.
I'll summarize the lessons (which are about 1 or 2 small pages each).
Lesson 1 - Don't mumur about delays
Lesson 2 - Don't be spiritually numbed by noise
Lesson 3 - Don't default to TV
Lesson 4 - Pray for other patients
Lesson 5 - Physical pain demands greater concentration on Biblical truths
Lesson 6 - Ask for help
Lesson 7 - Accept the humiliation of the backless hospital gown
Lesson 8 - Let misery remind you of the ugliness of sin in general
Lesson 9 - Earthly affliction can bring eternal glory
Lesson 10- Pray that your pain is not wasted
PHYSICALITY OF THE BOOK
The book is brief enough to make an excellent sermon or a long 3-part article. I say this not as a criticism; this brevity is its strength. It is thoughtful of the author to keep it brief for those whose minds are dizzied with fever, medications, or just not strong enough for much more than rest.
The subject matter is for people who are physically weak. The book itself is short (78 pages), small (4 x 0.2 x 6 inches - about the size of a large person's hand) and lightweight. I recall Ravi Zacharias saying that when he was on a hospital bed, he was too weak to hold a Bible. This little book brings you bits and pieces of the Bible and how it pertains to your illness.
I think it is also good for people who are not necessarily in a hospital, people who are convalescing at home or elsewhere. It is easy to pack, put in your pocket, etc., in case you are more mobile.
I have also noticed that on the author's website - Desiring God - the book seems to be legally available as a PDF for free. If you want the bound version or the ebook version, of course, you will need to pay a small sum.
ONE BIG LESSON I'VE LEARNED FROM THIS BOOK
Remember to say "I feel fine" instead of saying "I'm fine." We might not actually be well; there might be an illness just waiting to show itself. If the Lord wills you see tomorrow, so be it.
The author has the audacity to split this little book into two parts; I think it could have been consolidated, since this makes the two parts a bit repetitive. Perhaps he wanted to streamline the lessons and did not wish to pack them with too much if you just came for the lessons and not what is behind them. However, this is a minor quibble that I have with the book.
The first part is 10 Beliefs I Brought into the Hospital. The second part is 10 Lessons From My Hospital Bed. His introduction encourages you to skip ahead to the second part if you want to just get on with it.
I'll summarize the lessons (which are about 1 or 2 small pages each).
Lesson 1 - Don't mumur about delays
Lesson 2 - Don't be spiritually numbed by noise
Lesson 3 - Don't default to TV
Lesson 4 - Pray for other patients
Lesson 5 - Physical pain demands greater concentration on Biblical truths
Lesson 6 - Ask for help
Lesson 7 - Accept the humiliation of the backless hospital gown
Lesson 8 - Let misery remind you of the ugliness of sin in general
Lesson 9 - Earthly affliction can bring eternal glory
Lesson 10- Pray that your pain is not wasted
PHYSICALITY OF THE BOOK
The book is brief enough to make an excellent sermon or a long 3-part article. I say this not as a criticism; this brevity is its strength. It is thoughtful of the author to keep it brief for those whose minds are dizzied with fever, medications, or just not strong enough for much more than rest.
The subject matter is for people who are physically weak. The book itself is short (78 pages), small (4 x 0.2 x 6 inches - about the size of a large person's hand) and lightweight. I recall Ravi Zacharias saying that when he was on a hospital bed, he was too weak to hold a Bible. This little book brings you bits and pieces of the Bible and how it pertains to your illness.
I think it is also good for people who are not necessarily in a hospital, people who are convalescing at home or elsewhere. It is easy to pack, put in your pocket, etc., in case you are more mobile.
I have also noticed that on the author's website - Desiring God - the book seems to be legally available as a PDF for free. If you want the bound version or the ebook version, of course, you will need to pay a small sum.
ONE BIG LESSON I'VE LEARNED FROM THIS BOOK
Remember to say "I feel fine" instead of saying "I'm fine." We might not actually be well; there might be an illness just waiting to show itself. If the Lord wills you see tomorrow, so be it.
January 2, 2019
I started reading this book because a close friend's dad was in the hospital battling terminal cancer. He has now gone on to be with the Lord, however, this little book was a great encouragement on the reality of emotional and spiritual struggles that are faced in the midst of physical sickness.
Piper writes an honest and wise little book here on ten lessons he's learned from both being in the hospital bed himself, and also being beside the hospital bed as a pastor. The main point of the book, as with most of all Piper's books is to help us refocus our eyes on God. He uses many personal stories, and stories of others he's either been a pastor to or heard their stories from to illustrate his points and bring a tender level of humanity to the book's main points. However, the book isn't all tear-jerking stories though... layered in there is rock-solid biblical exposition of solid truths which must ground our thinking and to which we can hold on to in times of trouble. God is the one who stands by us to comfort and support his people in their times of suffering - and often in those times, that experience of his love, comfort, peace and support are more intense and tangible than any other time.
This book helps the reader - in the midst of suffering - to cultivate a heart of gratitude and thankfulness toward God's goodness despite the circumstance. It warns against the inticing dangers of slipping into self-moping, or binge watching TV or other such behaviours that only lead us deeper into our own feelings of dispair. It helps the reader to lift up their eyes to those around them and how they can even serve others in their suffering and fight for faith in the midst of sickness.
This was a great read, and probably at the right time for me. I'd recommend this to any others who are currently going through sickness themselves, or with someone close to you. However, I think this book would also be profitable for those who are currently not going through physical illness - because we will ALL have to come to grips with our own mortality and the frailty of life and our deteriorating bodies at some point in the future. So why not prepare yourself?
"It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart." (Ecclesiates 7:2)
Piper writes an honest and wise little book here on ten lessons he's learned from both being in the hospital bed himself, and also being beside the hospital bed as a pastor. The main point of the book, as with most of all Piper's books is to help us refocus our eyes on God. He uses many personal stories, and stories of others he's either been a pastor to or heard their stories from to illustrate his points and bring a tender level of humanity to the book's main points. However, the book isn't all tear-jerking stories though... layered in there is rock-solid biblical exposition of solid truths which must ground our thinking and to which we can hold on to in times of trouble. God is the one who stands by us to comfort and support his people in their times of suffering - and often in those times, that experience of his love, comfort, peace and support are more intense and tangible than any other time.
This book helps the reader - in the midst of suffering - to cultivate a heart of gratitude and thankfulness toward God's goodness despite the circumstance. It warns against the inticing dangers of slipping into self-moping, or binge watching TV or other such behaviours that only lead us deeper into our own feelings of dispair. It helps the reader to lift up their eyes to those around them and how they can even serve others in their suffering and fight for faith in the midst of sickness.
This was a great read, and probably at the right time for me. I'd recommend this to any others who are currently going through sickness themselves, or with someone close to you. However, I think this book would also be profitable for those who are currently not going through physical illness - because we will ALL have to come to grips with our own mortality and the frailty of life and our deteriorating bodies at some point in the future. So why not prepare yourself?
"It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart." (Ecclesiates 7:2)
May 16, 2021
Chegou a mim em um momento muito propício, enquanto em um leito de hospital. Lido neste momento, as palavras de Piper vão direto ao ponto como uma bem-vinda resposta aos questionamentos e preocupações de quem está doente. O livro é breve - a dor e as distrações da doença tornam difícil a concentração. Nem por isso é menos profundo ou deixa de cobrir o essencial. Simples e profundo, leitura muito necessária sempre que as estações de vulnerabilidade de ser humano e sujeito à doenças forem o nosso presente.
Na vulnerabilidade, Piper nos lembra que Deus é bom, sábio e totalmente confiável. É reconfortante saber que nossa vida está nas mãos de um Deus assim, que tem em mente o melhor para os Seus. Ele ressignifica o mal, para que tenha um propósito de bem. Não precisamos nos preocupar com os inequívocos mais insignificantes, pois nenhum passarinho cai no chão sem o consentimento do Pai. Lança-se a sorte, mas do Senhor vem a decisão (Pv 16.33). Seu Reino já é e está conosco. A esperança existe!
Se morrer, ou se viver, Deus é conosco. Somos d'Ele. Em todo o tempo, Seu amor inabalável nos satisfaz.
Na vulnerabilidade, Piper nos lembra que Deus é bom, sábio e totalmente confiável. É reconfortante saber que nossa vida está nas mãos de um Deus assim, que tem em mente o melhor para os Seus. Ele ressignifica o mal, para que tenha um propósito de bem. Não precisamos nos preocupar com os inequívocos mais insignificantes, pois nenhum passarinho cai no chão sem o consentimento do Pai. Lança-se a sorte, mas do Senhor vem a decisão (Pv 16.33). Seu Reino já é e está conosco. A esperança existe!
Se morrer, ou se viver, Deus é conosco. Somos d'Ele. Em todo o tempo, Seu amor inabalável nos satisfaz.
April 10, 2019
This is a very short, valuable book meant to encourage people to trust God as they are in the hospital.
Pros:
-The patient perspective was a thought-provoking read for me, someone on the other side of hospital interactions. Piper intends this book to be simple and clear, because he understands that someone suffering in sickness in pain is not going to be able to focus on something dense.
-A main takeaway for me as I read this was a reminder that many of the skills I have been trained in as a nurse will serve no purpose in heaven. There won't be any more suffering, illness, pain, or death. Those parts of my job don't have eternal value, but my interactions with people absolutely do. This book made me look at my job more holistically.
Cons:
-Even though this book is intended to be simple, I still think Piper writes at a high reading level. I can see this being a useful book to share with some people in the hospital, but not as beneficial to a very wide audience.
Pros:
-The patient perspective was a thought-provoking read for me, someone on the other side of hospital interactions. Piper intends this book to be simple and clear, because he understands that someone suffering in sickness in pain is not going to be able to focus on something dense.
-A main takeaway for me as I read this was a reminder that many of the skills I have been trained in as a nurse will serve no purpose in heaven. There won't be any more suffering, illness, pain, or death. Those parts of my job don't have eternal value, but my interactions with people absolutely do. This book made me look at my job more holistically.
Cons:
-Even though this book is intended to be simple, I still think Piper writes at a high reading level. I can see this being a useful book to share with some people in the hospital, but not as beneficial to a very wide audience.
May 24, 2019
I was not entirely sure what I was going to find in picking up this book. I assumed it had something to do with the hospitalization he referenced in "Don't Waste your Life."
What this book does is give an immensely practical, wise admonition to utilize your sickness and hospital stay for God's glory, the benefit of others, and personal sanctification.
Piper points to practical realities such as the temptation to lay and watch television the whole time. To realities of immense weight such as God's sovereignty and the fact that even suffering for the Christian is meant to launch us into greater love of Jesus.
I certainly plan to have this as a reference for myself when the day comes and I enter a hospital or for those who I serve as a pastor. It is a great book that is immensely helpful as a short, but rich admonishment to not waste suffering.
What this book does is give an immensely practical, wise admonition to utilize your sickness and hospital stay for God's glory, the benefit of others, and personal sanctification.
Piper points to practical realities such as the temptation to lay and watch television the whole time. To realities of immense weight such as God's sovereignty and the fact that even suffering for the Christian is meant to launch us into greater love of Jesus.
I certainly plan to have this as a reference for myself when the day comes and I enter a hospital or for those who I serve as a pastor. It is a great book that is immensely helpful as a short, but rich admonishment to not waste suffering.
Read
October 6, 2021«Lecciones desde la cama» de un hospital es un libro breve. Contiene 80 páginas (incluyendo el prefacio, el antecedente, y una oración final), y cada capítulo es de aproximadamente tres páginas. Aunque parezca que se puede leer rápidamente, el contenido no deja de ser profundo. Sé que leer puede ser lo último que queramos hacer en medio del sufrimiento de una enfermedad, pero el esfuerzo vale la pena. Podemos edificar nuestras mentes, evitar atascarnos en pensamientos negativos, y meditar en las promesas de Dios. En medio de todo el movimiento de enfermeras, diagnósticos, exámenes, y tratamientos, lo que nuestra alma quebrantada necesita es ser dirigida a la dulce y sagrada esperanza de Dios.
Lee la reseña en Coalición por el Evangelio.
Lee la reseña en Coalición por el Evangelio.
January 6, 2018
Great little book. John Piper basically gives us the lens to look through when facing illness/suffering/hospitalization...laying out God’s goodness, faithfulness and glory, and how those truths should then affect the way in which we suffer...being intentional not to waste those opportunities to draw near & glorify him.
My favorite quotes: “Preach to yourself that this light momentary affliction is working for you an eternal weight of glory”
“if we try to avoid hard things, we lose good things”
“the brightness of your shining is the absence of your grumbling”
“come hell or high water, I determined that this hospital would be a gymnasium for my soul, a proving ground for my faith, and a mission field for God.”
My favorite quotes: “Preach to yourself that this light momentary affliction is working for you an eternal weight of glory”
“if we try to avoid hard things, we lose good things”
“the brightness of your shining is the absence of your grumbling”
“come hell or high water, I determined that this hospital would be a gymnasium for my soul, a proving ground for my faith, and a mission field for God.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2020
Not quite what I was expecting. (I had supposed this was a book of insights gathered while the author was in the hospital to help those who are caregivers, visitors, or loved ones of those who are ill.) Still, a short and useful book, offering helpful advice to the Christian who finds him/herself in hospital. Piper first outlines the 10 beliefs he brought with him, his suppositions, as it were. Then he shares very practical lessons (such as #7: Accept the humiliation of wearing the same unflattering gown everyone else wears) for accepting and even using one's hospitalization as a way of furthering one's own sanctification and work for the Kingdom.
June 3, 2025
Mercifully a short book! I suppose that is a good feature if you are dying on a hospital bed.
Perhaps I was expecting more from this book. It should be read as a how to face suffering and mortality while you are in hospital.
What came through is Piper's strength in his faith and there are some very useful tips, such as prepare a playlist of worship songs, don't get the television package.
I was hoping to hear more human stories, that is not the angle offered by Piper.
Perhaps I was expecting more from this book. It should be read as a how to face suffering and mortality while you are in hospital.
What came through is Piper's strength in his faith and there are some very useful tips, such as prepare a playlist of worship songs, don't get the television package.
I was hoping to hear more human stories, that is not the angle offered by Piper.
February 12, 2018
Such a simple and beautiful little book. I have never been in the hospital for my own illness and yet I can see how helpful and encouraging this book would be. Why? Because it points you to God and his faithfulness. Trust him. Rely upon Christ and the Grace of God through his finished work in all things.
March 2, 2025
Short but helpful and hopeful
This little book from John Piper is a practical, biblical, helpful collection to put in the hands of anyone who is hospitalized or who would want to encourage someone who is. In other words, any of us. Before the pain and confusion clouds our minds, know that God is in control, is an ever-present source of mercy, and is working for us.
This little book from John Piper is a practical, biblical, helpful collection to put in the hands of anyone who is hospitalized or who would want to encourage someone who is. In other words, any of us. Before the pain and confusion clouds our minds, know that God is in control, is an ever-present source of mercy, and is working for us.
September 12, 2018
Concise and concentrated wisdom for difficult seasons. I enjoyed John's breakdown of the truths of scripture that he took into the hospital and his argument for memorizing morsels to savor when despair and sadness were high.
August 19, 2019
Great book with much wisdom
It is a great book by my admired Pastor who helped me so much in my christian walk..I'm a regular listener of all your sermons from desiring god.org.It helped me so much during my tough and painful times
It is a great book by my admired Pastor who helped me so much in my christian walk..I'm a regular listener of all your sermons from desiring god.org.It helped me so much during my tough and painful times
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