Where Healing Begins
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24
For over three years now, I have dealt with chronic pain in the lower left side of my back and hip as a result of two bulging discs in my back that have caused sciatica. I have seen a hip specialist, a spine specialist, a physical therapist, a chiropractor, a physiatrist (for epidurals and steroid shots), and a neuromuscular therapist. It has been a long process of trying to determine the issue and the proper treatment. I have often prayed and wondered why God would not relieve the pain and take it away completely. Doesn’t He have the power? Why would He want me in pain? I also had lots of these thoughts watching my mother and mother-in-law struggle with the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease. It was so hard to watch them both slowly slip away over time, and to see them in pain, not able to live their lives as they desired.
In Exodus 15:26, God reveals another one of His names to His people. He addresses the Israelites and says, “For I am the Lord who heals you.” The name here is Jehovah Rapha.
When we hear the word ‘healing,’ we often think of physical healing. We read about lots of miraculous healings in the Bible. Does God still perform these today? Yes, God is still in the business of physical healing, but we often miss it. Too many times, we expect God to answer in a certain way and look for miraculous events as we hear about in the Bible. When we let go of these expectations and allow God to heal us in ways His divine wisdom knows are most needed, we start to notice these fairly often. When we have a cold or the flu, and in days we are feeling better, God has brought healing. When we have an injury or a surgery, that may take some time to overcome, when we do, our bodies have healed. Sometimes, final physical healing is seen as passing from this life to the next, where there is no more pain, which is where I was with my mom and mother-in-law.
If we think only in terms of physical healing, then we need to redefine healing. It is so much more than physical. In Exodus 15, the Israelites had been delivered from Egypt but found themselves discouraged in the wilderness. In verses 23-25, they were desperate for water to drink. When they arrived in Morah, there was water, but it was undrinkable. The Israelites cried out to God, and He healed the waters so they could drink it. In doing so, He revealed that His heart was to restore and heal them.
God brings healing emotionally and relationally. He heals wounded hearts, restores broken relationships, brings peace to anxious minds, removes bitterness, and provides reconciliation. God brings healing spiritually through Jesus. When we surrender to Jesus, we are rescued from sin and restored to the Father through Jesus’ death and overcoming the grave. When sin entered the world with Adam and Eve, the once-perfect world became broken. Ultimately, God plans to redeem and heal the planet from its broken state.
Sometimes we want healing to come instantly, but often Jehovah Rapha works through a process. Our timing is not God’s timing. Sometimes, we must wait, which teaches us trust, draws us closer to Him, and reminds us that our ultimate restoration is found in His presence. Other times, we may not know or understand His ways. I had and still have so many questions about my mom’s suffering. Being honest with God about feelings of frustration or confusion is acceptable. We can and should take those to God.
When we feel broken, weary, hurting, or sick, remember that healing is not just something God does; it is part of who He is. He has the power to heal, and He wants what is best for us. If we believe that He is sovereign, we must trust that He knows best. We need to focus on the Healer, not just the healing, trusting in His character, sovereignty, and eternal perspective. It means accepting that God is good and acknowledging that His ways are higher.
Call to Action
Where in your life do you need to trust Jehovah Rapha for healing today? Ask Him what He wants to teach you or how He wants to shape you during the journey.
God often brings healing through people (medical professionals, but also wise counsel), Scripture, rest, doing our part in taking care of ourselves, and church community. Being open to these is part of trusting Jehovah Rapha.
Reflect on ways God has brought healing in the past. Remembering His faithfulness strengthens the trust that He is still at work now.
Intercede for others who need healing. It reminds us that God’s healing heart extends to all His people.
Digging Deeper
Read these additional Scripture passages: Psalm 41:3, Psalm 147:3, Jeremiah 17:14, Isaiah 53:5, Mark 10:27, 1 John 5:14-15.
Prayer
Jehovah Rapha, You are the God who heals. I bring my physical ailments, hurts, worries, and broken places to You. Restore what is wounded in my heart and teach me to trust Your healing work in my life, even if it is not the way I want it or in my timing.
Copyright © 2026 Kyle Cravens