Scars

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters

“So I’m thankful for the scars… ‘Cause without them I wouldn’t know Your heart And I know they’ll tell of who You are, So forever I am thankful for the scars.”

I have a scar that runs up the back of my head. It is from a time when I was supposed to be napping, but instead was jumping on my sisters bed. It was fun for a time, at least till I fell backwards hitting my head on the cast iron radiator… When I rub my fingers across the scar, there is a vivid memory of that time… takes me right into that room and the blood and pain I felt. It also is very clear reminder of the words of my mother that I ought to have obeyed… words that would have saved me from harm.

Many other scars have occurred since that time, some have taken pieces of my heart. But though each one may be tender, they are all reminders of how much my Heavenly Father loves me, and is still fighting to get me home to Himself.

If nothing else is gained from each circumstance, but knowing Jesus more, then it is enough. But that is not all God intends from the discipline He is bringing us through. For, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; Who is our merciful Father and the source of ALL comfort… God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for the purpose of shining a light on the comfort and salvation found only in Christ! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort others. Then they can patiently endure the same things we suffer on our way home to God. We are confident that as others share in our sufferings, they will also share in the comfort God gives us.” (Adapted from 2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

We have a choice… we can surely focus on the pain and hardships and no one would probably blame us. Or, we can humbly look to God and allow Him to use us as lights unto the world. We can see our struggles and heartaches as opportunities of weakness wherein He makes us strong. And in doing so, others see Christ and are drawn to the warmth of His love. As our lives are being made new by each trial, and each thought or deed that veils us to God’s glory is removed, our lives as Believers shine brighter with His holiness.

It is for good reason this path is called the ‘narrow way.’ Very few people have the courage and vision to respond to God in the way that is required by His perfection. Many settle for the mediocrity of the masses, and choose to be satisfied with empty dreams and desires; even when banqueting tables are prepared for those who wait on The Lord to lift them up on eagle’s wings and bring those who believe, to Himself.

I know the struggles and heartaches are painful, but honestly tell me one thing of great value that does not require them..? And as we move our fingers across those tender scars and our thoughts are moved to the loving care of our God, are we not reminded of His sufficient grace we experienced as we trusted Him… Are not those scars then of great worth? Are they not reminders of who loves us… and the extraordinary scars Jesus bears of His battle to claim our hearts and souls for our Heavenly Father? If they each tell of whom God is, then I am forever thankful for the scars.

Choose wisely…

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:21-24)

Praying 4 U

 

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church. He is the author of two devotional books, “From a Chair by the Window.” And “#PrayerWinsThe Day”.

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This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; 2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night…” Psalm 92:1-2