part III.

In Luke 17. Jesus heals the 10 lepers. Jesus said, "go and show yourselves to the priest" as they went they were cleansed, healed.

I love this story for so many reasons. but maybe most for this reason:

I have a scar that's deep. about 7 years. cuts of the feelings of rejection, stings from placing my hope in someone other than Christ.  I always thought that healing from that would be over a period of time and while yes I've seen how He has bound up my wound and stitched it to relieve pain. Never have I ever experienced so much healing as I did when I was finally free from my plans, my earthly desires. Once I was free from all my plans, as I mentioned in part II, I was finally in a position to be obedient. and like the lepers when I decided to choose the journey and go the way He was saying, that's when I was healed. Facing that scar was painful, like pouring salt all over it. but just like when Jesus wept with Martha and Mary over the death of Lazarus, even though He knew the beautiful ending. In the pain we have a Savior who's right there along side us. The pain ultimately brings Him glory, but that doesn't stop us from asking 'why?' and 'where were you?' how beautiful that our Savior is right there in that pain. He walks us through it because He know it brings Him so much glory. Let Jesus weep with you in those painful moments, let Him use your obedience to heal you of that pain. Because when you see His glorious plans every scar, every hurt, every disease will see healing.

Psalm 138 David says, I will give thanks with my whole heart. in Luke 17, the word healed is sozo in the Greek. It means fully wholly healed, spiritually emotional every part. my whole, healed heart sings and shouts. for He broke through. guided me to be ready for His adventure. and used the beauty of obedience to heal my heart.

"I will give thanks with my whole heart" Psalm 138:1