But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:5-6 NIV)
After the Apostles’ were filled with the Holy Spirit, Acts 5:16 (NIV) tells us, “Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and ALL of them were healed.” [Emphasis mine]
I’ve been very open about my physical issues and about being in faith for a healing. For a long time, this Scripture from Acts caused me to question myself a lot. Being entirely honest, it caused me to question God as well. I’ve read resources about possible hindrances to healing, and I have tried in earnest, to “take care of” any potential issue. I have asked God to show me anything that I need to see in order to be in the right place with Him to receive the healing that I am seeking.
But, I was missing something very important. God is not only interested in my physical condition. He is interested in all of me; physically, emotionally and spiritually. I fully believe, that God’s desire for His children is that we be whole – not just physically.
As I have thought and prayed about today’s Scripture from Isaiah, I realize that these verses are meant for ALL of us, not just those of us with physical infirmities. Every person needs God’s healing touch in one way or another.
The beginning of our restoration to wholeness is restoration between God and us. Anything that happens in our lives that causes separation, or gives us a sense of separation in our relationship with Him, is a form of brokenness, which is the opposite of wholeness.
This Scripture says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Have you ever read it and thought to yourself “that doesn’t include me. I’m not good enough. I’ve done…” Your heavenly Father knows everything you have done and will do in the future. He still sent Jesus to die on Calvary’s Cross so that YOU could be forgiven, healed and restored. Isaiah 53:6 reminds us that every single one of us has gone astray, but also that Jesus took the punishment for all of our sin, sickness, guilt and shame. When He rose again from the dead, He won victory over all of these things. We are no longer penalized for the things we have done wrong, if we are willing to confess Jesus Christ is Lord and receive Him into our lives. Then, eternal life can be ours because of Jesus.
Sometimes healing comes instantly after prayer. But, for me, the journey of healing has been a process. I used to live in anticipation for God’s healing in my life, as if it was some far off thing. Friends, it is not for the future only. I still have physical issues, but I cannot claim that I have not experienced the Lord’s healing in my life. It is freeing to realize that I’m not just waiting for something. It’s happening now – in the present. Perhaps not exactly how I would have envisioned it, instead, it is happening exactly how I need it most.
When I have been in pain, frustrated by my limitations, angry or resentful over not being able to do the activities that are so natural to others, I have needed to go to God in repentance and ask His forgiveness for my attitude.
A crucial step in my healing process has been a willingness to surrender my will to God’s. His plan for my healing is not necessarily in line with my ideal plan, but as always, His plan is best. I wish I could say that I was able to surrender my desire for healing one time only, and it was no longer something I longed for. If I said that, it would be a lie. On a daily basis, there is temptation to give in to a negative attitude, complaining or a “pity party,” but thankfully, by God’s grace, He is helping me to overcome these struggles daily. In this place of needing Him so desperately, He has heard my cry, and He has blessed me with the strength to persevere. The greatest gift He has given me is the same as he gave Job in his times of trouble, which inspired Job to say, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5 NIV)
Can you see Him – even in the midst of your challenges? If so, that is a gift from God.
My prayer is, “Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus. Because of all that He did for me on Calvary’s Cross, Your healing touch on my life is possible. Please help me to surrender my desire for healing and to accept that Your way is perfect. Please help me to see You, more than I see my circumstances. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
