Each of one of us, no matter whatever our position or station is in our community (social, financial, political, religious, etc.), are covered to a greater or lesser extent with scars. These are the result of what life places in our path. These scars bear the marks of our story, of life’s mark upon our humanity. So for those of us with a Judeo-Christian background, we rely upon our Heavenly Father, the One True God. Scripture tells us that we were created to need God as we face life on a day-to-day basis.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God…. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 9
But I must not be too proud of the wonderful things that were shown to me. So a painful problem was given to me—an angel from Satan, sent to make me suffer, so that I would not think that I am better than anyone else. I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me. But the Lord said, “My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.” So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (ERV)
So I ask…what are your scars? We all have them. What we do about them tells the world about who we are in Christ. Was it a poor childhood with a lack of structure? Or perhaps a failure to make the grade in school or at work? And what about your relationships…friends, co-workers, romantic relationships, and one we all know too well, a troubled or failed marriage. We have all experienced the personal and family hardship and the ripple effect upon our loved ones that comes with a faltering marriage. We can suffer alone or we can turn to our God. The Apostle Paul speaks to our suffering in the passages above and also in the one that follows.
Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the trouble we suffered in Asia. We had great burdens there, which were greater than our own strength. We even gave up hope for life. In fact, it seems like God has been telling us we are going to die. But this is so that we will not trust in ourselves but in God, who raises people from death. He saved us from these great dangers of death, and he will continue to save us. We feel sure he will always save us. And you can help us with your prayers. Then many people will give thanks for us—that God blessed us because of their many prayers. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (ERV)
Another way to say this…your scars (weakness, life) becomes your personal story (witness). And so as you grow in Jesus Christ, share the hope and comfort you have found in Him with your fellow brothers and sisters. Notice also the above passage states “and he will continue to save us.” This is what a loving Father, Son, and Holy Spirit can do for each of us. So allow God to comfort you and show you the fruits of your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior as you share with others the love of Jesus Christ. You will never be sorry.
I particularly like how Paul says…”this is so that we will not trust in ourselves but in God.” We cannot walk this path alone. Lean on Jesus Christ, your Heavenly Brother. Trusting in ourselves leads to many mistakes and a lot of misery. Trusting in God leads to an entirely different result. The Hebrews author writes the following:
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised…and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 10:36, 13:5b
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 NIV
God calls (challenges) each of us to look to Him for comfort and guidance. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior! What an awesome Teacher and Friend He is! So as life throws you a curve ball, know this about our God and His One and Only Son:
“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me.” John 14:1 (MSG)
As I look back at my own life, I see that ‘My Scars Are My Story!’ What is your story? Make sure that Jesus Christ is at the center of your story.
Standing firm on the covenant vows (witnessed by God) spoken by my wife and myself when we were married, until we are parted by death.
Ben in Texas
