By His Stripes.
7x10. Acrylic on Paper
“By His stripes we are healed.”
One of the most renowned verses in the Old Testament on Christ’s atoning work. It contains vivid and gruesome imagery of Christ’s crucifixion where the “stripes” refer to the lashes Christ received by the hands of Roman soldiers.
We must be so careful about this verse. Yes we are saved and healed from the price of sin because of Christ, however, we are not promised total healing from our mental and physical sufferings.
Can Christ heal us? YES, in one millisecond. Will Christ heal us? Not always.
I hold onto this verse so tightly because the Lord DID in fact heal me of an eating disorder. One that I battled for over 10-years and it almost cost me my teeth, permanent digestive problems, and infertility.
I assure you it’s not because of my faith or good deeds that I found healing, not by a long shot! It’s because God has a sovereign plan to which I will never fully understand here on earth.
It’s by His grace I’ve been healed of an eating disorder, however, I still struggle with social anxiety. A struggle that oddly came on after recovery and it really prevents me from building strong, deep relationships with any of my friends or family members.
I don’t understand it. I don’t know why I struggle to look people in the eye or speak with ease. It causes me great pain and frustration.
I pray often for this part of my emotional health to be restored because I know full well the Lord CAN deliver me.
Still, I also know that my suffering is short. It’s not permanent. It will last as long as I’m here on earth, but because I’m eternally healed I won’t have to bear this in heaven. I’m also eternally grateful for ALL that the Lord has done for me, and that’s not just healing from an even worse battle as bulimia and anorexia. He’s blessed me with the most loving husband Adam, two precious children, and so much more!
If you’re currently in the deep depths of addiction, or cancer, or chronic pain, or HIV, etc, I want to hug your so tightly and pray for you friend!! I’m so sorry for your pain and suffering. I wish you never ever had to feel such pain, or anyone for that matter.
But…I dare you to trust the Lord through it. I double DOG dare you!! Even when it doesn’t make sense! It may seem like the Lord doesn’t care or that he’s forgotten about you. I assure you that he does care otherwise you wouldn’t be on this earth. He wouldn’t have chosen you if he didn’t think you were cherishable.
Let’s pray together.
Dear Father, I praise you that your will is sovereign. I praise you that you are more than capable of miracles. It doesn’t make sense Jesus, but I know you have a plan for our pain. It hurts here on earth, but because of you Jesus we don’t have to hurt in heaven. Father I ask for your strength to dare to trust you when it feels hopeless. When I’m tempted to blame others or myself help me to hold tight to your promises. That you are capable of healing me, but you can also provide me with the strength, courage, and hope to keep going. I ask for joy through the suffering Lord and strength when I feel tired of fighting. Lord I thank you for all the things you know and I don’t. I pray for this precious child of yours reading this who needs a boost of hope! Overwhelm them with your hope and joy Father. Give them exactly what they need today!
Amen.
I wish you all a warm, peaceful Christmas and if you didn’t already know this, my new Pet Portrait Commission course has finally be posted to the Maine Coon and Stallion tier of the Online Animal Art Masterclass.
