Poking the Wound: When God Heals What Lies Beneath

If you’ve known me for any length of time, you’ve probably heard me talk about “poking the wound.”

Years ago, because of my autoimmune disease, I developed a wound on my left leg. It was tiny, just the size of a penny, but it would not heal. Because of immunosuppressants, my body stayed dormant, unresponsive to the injury. My husband took me to a wound doctor, and they taught us how to clean and care for it, but it wasn’t enough. My body wasn’t reacting.

Then the doctor explained something I’ll never forget: the wound had to be poked. Unless it was stirred, my body would not recognize it as something that needed healing. So day after day, we poked it. At times it looked worse before it looked better, but it was the only way to stimulate the body’s God-designed response to heal. Eventually, it closed completely.

That picture has become such a spiritual truth for me. Because as believers, we can live faithfully, attending church, studying the Bible, serving, discipling, and yet still carry wounds in our hearts that remain untouched. Hidden. Dormant. Until the fire of life pokes them.

Let me be vulnerable here. As a wife and mom, I can get feral if someone messes with my family. In the past, I would roar like a wild animal, ready to go to the ends of the earth to avenge the ones I love. With my own arms, and, most often, with my mouth. A big one. That was my wound.

Recently, in the last trial we faced, some of that old anger rose to the surface. I confess, it poked me deep. My natural response wanted to lash out. But something had changed. God used my husband in that moment to steady me. When I was angry, he gently brought the living Word of God and said, “We will remain quiet. The God we serve knows. We will pray and speak His Word over our lives.” And God moved and brought everything into place. We serve and trust the One who is faithful. So, guard your heart!

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

In the past, I would not have agreed. I would have gone after the people. But this time, his words gave me peace. They gave me strength. And in that moment, I was surprised and deeply grateful for what God had done in me. I still have a long way to go. But I recognized that He had poked my wound. Not to expose me in shame, but to heal me in truth.

What is your wound? What lies beneath the surface that you’ve covered with activity, discipline, or busyness? Unforgiveness? Fear? Pride? A deep hurt? A hidden unbelief?

The Lord does not poke our wounds to destroy us but to heal us. Scripture says in Hosea 6:1, “Come, let us return to the Lord, for He has torn us, that He may heal us; He has struck us down, and He will bind us up.” His refining fire is not meant to consume us but to purify us. Malachi 3:3 says, “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.”

When He brings the dross to the surface, it may look worse before it looks better. Anger, bitterness, envy, vengeance, etc. They rise up so we can see them, so that His Spirit may cleanse us. Psalm 139:23-24 becomes our prayer: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.”

Healing hurts. Refining burns. But God is always good. 

So if God is poking your wound today, do not run from Him. Let Him do the work only He can do. For “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

And friend, if this resonates with you, please know I’m here for you. I may not have all the answers, but I will listen, pray, and walk alongside you. Sometimes just sharing the wound is the first step toward healing. I’m only a text away.

Love in Christ,
Andrea Anderegg