Our Scars
On a recent outing, I noticed a tree with barbed wire snarled around the base. The wire cut deep into the bark of the tree. Maybe a wire fence once surrounded the tree years back while it was just a sapling. Over the years, as the tree grew, the trunk grew too big for the fencing. Despite the wire, the tree continued to grow, but the wire left a permanent scar on the tree.
Do you have any scars? Some of those scars may be physical while others are invisible, emotional hurts. My knees contain the scars from a fall during my childhood that left me in a body cast for six months. My stomach is also littered with scars from various surgeries. And, my largest emotional scar comes from the death of my son many years ago.
Purpose of Scars
Scars remind us of the struggles we faced in life. Whether they came from childhood antics or more serious events, they hold memories for us. And, like the tree, we continue to grow despite our wounds. We might even get to where we wear some of our scars, like a badge of courage.
Scars can also teach us. They teach us that healing from physical trauma is possible. They show us we overcame the things that hurt us. And they are a testimony of our endurance. Our scars can remind us of the suffering Christ endured for us on the cross.
We can use our scars as part of our testimony about all Christ has done in our lives. They are physical evidences of the power of our redeeming and saving Lord. They are a kingdom badge of honor. They show to the world the words from Genesis 50:20 (NCV); “You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done.”
Jesus’ Scars
Through the Bible, we learn that Jesus’ body bore the scars of His crucifixion even after He rose from the grave. The disciple, Thomas, announced he would only believe Christ arose if he saw the scars. John 20:27 (NIV): “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’” The scars reminded Thomas of the story of Christ’s death and resurrection, and they can do the same for us.
Jesus’ scars are a visible reminder to us of the sacrifice He made for us. Click To Tweet
Jesus’ scars are a visible reminder to us of the sacrifice He made for us. They also assure us that through His own suffering, Christ understands our painful scars. And, when we reach our heavenly home, Jesus’ scars remain while all of ours will disappear for all eternity.
Sinful Ones
Another type of wound comes from the sins in our life. Christ offered Himself as our sacrifice, as shown in 1 Peter 1:19 (ESV), “but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” The blood of Christ washes away the mark of sin from our life when we accept Him as our Savior. His scars will heal our scars, physical, emotional, and spiritual.
We all suffer from grievous wounds, both visible and invisible. Jesus came to save us, heal us, and restore us. He wants us to be whole once again. So, will you give Him your scars?
Prayer
Father, I thank you for Jesus’s nail-scarred hands and feet. They are a reminder of your great love for us, that you would send your son to die for the forgiveness of our sin. You have promised to work all things together for our good and for your glory. Thank you, Father, that you never waste our pain, and that our scars will serve as a testimony to your goodness and faithfulness to us. Because of, and in the name of Jesus, Amen. (From https://drmichellebengtson.com/)
Do you need prayer? I would love to pray for you. Submit your prayer request on my website at https://yvonne-morgan.com/submit-your-prayer-request-here/
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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