Stripes... by Karen Ruhl

I love the stripes on zebras. Craig and I recently visited a zoo that let you drive through to view the animals - kind of like a safari (but much safer)! I loved all of the animals but was amazed by the zebras. I think I knew that each zebra has a different general pattern of stripes that are unique, just like two human fingerprints. Yet, the stripes let you know they are in the zebra family.

It made me think about the differences in humans. Some of us are taller than others, some heavier than others, our skin colors are all different and yet, inside, we are all the very same. We are all knit together by God and He knows each of us by name.

We are different, God gave each of us a different set of gifts. Psalm 139:14 NKJV says:

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

If you were among a group of people, would you stand out? Would someone be able to look at you and say, she is human, but she seems to be different, in a deep way. She seems to know something I don’t?

Our world is in need of each of us to be different, to be in the word and to pray. The fruit of the spirit is in each of us, and Paul tells us in Galations 5 that we must walk in the spirit and never be enslaved again. Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV says:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such there is no law.

Craig and I have read through the bible together six times and we have lead bible studies, attended classes, and we read the bible and pray continually. It is up to all of us to walk in the truth. To show our stripes, to stand out and be unique, and to love everyone - we are all the same as brother and sisters in Christ. Let’s all show our stripes.

Isaiah 53:5 says:

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

If you have not received Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to know more. Seek out a local church, a Christian friend, or please email us.

I am praying for you. ~Blessings, Karen Team@faithoneverycorner.com