Lien on house?

If credit collection agencies put a lien on ahouse you own can they force a sale of the house and have you thrown out on the street?
Or can the lien just sit there on the house until if you ever sell it at all?
I never intend to sell the house but live there the rest of my life.
So exactly what can they do to me? It is old debt from several years ago that i cant pay.

I have a couple questions for you:
1. How much is the lien for?
2. Who was your old creditor (Credit card company, bank, etc.)?
3. What is your house worth?
4. What is the total amount owed on your property?

They can force a sale but would only do so if it was in their best interest (If they make money).

Example 1: If the lien is for a relatively small amount. No they would not foreclose. Their cost would exceed the amount they would be able to collect after attorney fees.

Example 2: However, if your property has a lot of equity and their lien amount was significant they would possibly foreclose.

Answer the questions above and I could give you some more information.