If God saw these wounds...

Like a Phoenix (Part 1)

December 18th, 2012 Clinton Tedja

“But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

We all grow up carrying some sort of wound from the fall. Wounds…lies that were told, dreams that died, accidents that happened, mistakes made, the hurts from others. Every person carries some sort of wound.

When a baby is taking their first steps, what does the parent usually do? He excitedly gathers the family around, whips out the video camera, and cheers his beloved child on…even though they’re falling over every two steps. “Woohoo! My baby’s walking! My baby’s walking!”

But sometimes, we have this image of God the Father as one who frowns down at us, “Oh, stupid baby. Can’t believe you just fell again. Get out of my house, and don’t come back until you learn how to walk properly.” It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?

The world will tell us to hide our wounds and never reveal them – not even to God. We think, ”If God saw these wounds, He would know I’m imperfect.” But in our weakness, God is made strong. In our wounds, God’s healing is made strong if we’d only let Him heal us.

And God the Father tells us, ”It’s OK that you fell. It’s OK that you’re hurt. Let me tend to your wounds. Woohoo! My baby’s walking.”

Prayer:

Loving Father, I ask that you would show me if there are areas in my heart where I still have wounds from the fall. Help me to no longer dwell on them or bottle them inside. Would you heal me, free me and teach me to rise when I fall? Amen.