The Road to Recovery

This week I have once again been on what is called, “the road to recovery.”  On Monday I had double hernia surgery. Since then, I’ve had to take things a bit slow—to say the least!  Thankfully, each day is a bit better than the one before as I manage the pain, get some extra rest, and am mindful not to strain the muscles around the area where the surgery took place. Mostly, however, I’ve got to be patient for the healing process is never a quick one.   

This is not the first time I’ve had to travel this road. Last year’s road, following major spinal surgery, was a road that was a lot longer and harder than the one I am on today. Rather than the 4-6 weeks road that I am currently on, that road was a 4-6 months road—and even longer. On that road I was walking with a walker and then a cane for at least two months; on this road I’ve been able to walk on my own from the start. In the end, however, no matter how hard and long the road to recovery is, the goal is always to re-enter life fully healed and restored, hopefully re-engaging in life to the fullest extent possible. 

In the Old Testament, the word that is often translated as “heal” or “healed” refers not just to physical healing, but to the wholeness that God brings as he restores his people not just physically but even more so spiritually, as well as emotionally. The Hebrew word speaks of God bringing about a complete restoration in the lives of his people as they travel the road to recovery—recovery from sin and all the effects it has had upon their lives. 

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners….” (Isaiah 57:18 – NIV)  And, speaking of the suffering Messiah, Isaiah writes “…by his wounds we are healed” or “made whole.” (Isaiah 53:5) In other words, God promises to step into the lives of his people and put them on the road to recovery that they might know the complete healing work of God within their lives—a healing that impacts every part of their being. 

I’m reminded that when we give our lives to God through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ, the goal is not just the forgiveness of sin, nor just the healing of our bodies, but a complete restoration and healing of our very being that we might live our lives as God intended for us to live them. We need to be made whole. Thus, God puts us on the road to recovery—a road that is filled with his healing power, times of rest in his presence, and the wonderful instructions found in his Word. At times the road may seem long and hard, but for sure it’s a road that’s worth traveling!

Won’t you ask God to help you experience just a little bit more of his wholeness, restoration, and healing power in your life today? 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris