Daily Power #244

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. (Isa. 53:5)

Years ago it only took a quick hug from Amy or me to make our children feel better. For really serious injuries, which usually meant the ones involving blood from a scraped knee or cut finger, we had to bring out the bandages and say a prayer. In a day or two, their wounds had usually healed and we didn’t have to worry about them again until the next fall, bike accident, or playground tussle.

As a pastor ministering to adults, however, I quickly realized we all carry chronic wounds and tender scars from more complex injuries and incidents. These don’t heal overnight. These internal wounds to our soul stay with us, slow us down, and sometimes color all the choices we make. The brutal words from a parent, the unspeakable betrayal from someone we trusted, the harsh disappointment in our marriage—these tend to linger and require God’s healing power to help us forgive those who let us down and move on.

But we can be healed. Jesus, too, knew what it meant to bear both physical pain as well as the emotional and mental anguish of suffering the offenses of others. Having lived without ever sinning, Christ chose to bear the burden of our sins through his excruciating death on the cross.

This month is about overcoming our wounds, our fears, our doubts and worries, all the obstacles, big and small, that often hinder our faith. Today ask God to heal all those hurts that still linger from your past.

Power Lift

Thank you, Jesus, for bearing my sins on the cross so that I can be healed from my wounds and have eternal life.