By His Stripes

Isaiah 53:5

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed."

As I was reading this verse, I suddenly saw something I had not noticed before.  The punishment that brought us peace.....Apart from salvation and eternal life, peace is the gift that we can receive immediately, one which will aid us in our difficult journey as we continue our earthly walk.  

Some time ago, as I was inquiring of the Lord why He had not chosen to heal me the way that Isaiah 53:5 would seem to imply, He said " I have healed you." It occurred to me that there was a difference between being cured and being healed.  Being cured of a disease is nice, but not all that important in the eternal scheme of things.  Being healed, on the other hand....well, could that be the peace I have , the calm acceptance of what is?  

I believe that is exactly what being healed is all about.  Peace when my physical body is in turmoil.  A sense of calmness when I am in the center of a storm.  A firm knowledge that God is in charge and will show me the way even when my mind gets so cluttered.  I have such peace.  I have been healed.  I see my neurologist every six months even though there are no treatment options for the uncommon form of MS that I have.  They are not even looking because only ten percent of all MS patients have this form of the disease.   At my most recent visit he said " I am so sorry there is nothing I can do but treat your symptoms as they arise to keep you comfortable." to which I replied " well it is what it is.". He said " yes but at least you are coping. "

I assert that I am ONLY able to cope because of the Holy Spirit.  I believe it was Montel Williams who so apply put it " I have MS, MS does not have me." I believe I can one up him by boldly proclaiming that the disease does not have me because God  has me...right in the palm of His hand.