Today’s blog is written by Mary Anna Wu. Read as she reminds us of the restorative nature of God and how His healing is available to us!
There the LORD made a decree and a law for [the Israelites] and there he tested them. He said, “If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” (Exodus 15:25b-26 NIV)
The Lord revealed himself as a Healer in the book of Exodus, just days after the Israelites fled slavery and mistreatment in Egypt. God had afflicted many serious plagues on the Egyptians to bring about the Israelites’ release from oppressive slavery. But make no mistake: The relationship between Israelites and Egyptians hadn’t always been a negative one. The Egyptians’ jealousy, idolatry, and oppressiveness drove them to a point where God allowed them to experience the negative consequences of their sin in order to bring Israelite freedom.
God wanted the Israelites to experience the healing that the Egyptians didn’t receive through their choices, and today He wants that for us, His people. There is a direct correlation between walking in obedience to God, spending time in His presence, and finding healing and peace from wounds and burdens. A while ago I was sick and spent some time in the hospital. When it was time to be discharged, I listened to specific instructions from the medical staff to know how to take my medicine and what level of activity I should have. Their advice was good, and by implementing the doctors’ orders, I was healthy again after a couple months. We’re no different in our walk with God. In order to heal, we must follow the Great Physician’s instructions. Some of the most freeing steps that I have taken in my life have been small steps of obedience where I chose to live my life for the Lord and not conform to this world. Daily time in the Word of God has lifted my burden of guilt, cleared my mind and brought me enormous joy in my marriage. God promises to do the healing work in us if we only put our gaze on Him and walk in His ways. His wise teaching and commands can give us healthy souls.
Who can heal my broken heart after a bad breakup or tremendous grief? When my mistakes have corrupted me and I feel shame and guilt, who can forgive me and release me from this burden? The Lord, my Healer. God often demonstrates his power by healing physical ailments, through miracles and the incredible restorative healing processes of our physical bodies created by Him. But it goes much deeper than that: His spiritual and emotional healing capabilities are unmatched. God’s very character and nature are restorative.
Reflection:
What are my wounds and hurts? Are any of my family or professional relationships awry because I have not used God’s word to guide them? Are pains in my love life caused by disobedience and a lack of God’s purity in the way I handle my relationship? What instruction has God given me that I can obey today so that I can ultimately find healing?
Prayer:
I praise You, Lord, because You are so good! You forgive all my sins, you heal my diseases, and you redeem my life from darkness. Help me to hear your voice and walk in obedience to you. Let me experience Your full grace and restoration.