Scars

By Kim Roberts
I have become more aware of my own scars, both on the inside and outside—scars on my body from childhood cuts and scrapes, and scars I received as an adult from giving birth to my children. I also have inward scars on my heart, mind and emotions, the same ones we all have received through life's tragedies, the difficult and sometimes desperate situations we all face. It has recently become evident that each scar is a reminder of the healing process we have been through. Our scars tell a story.

We went to church with Mark's family on the same weekend that we were preparing to put our son in rehab in Kennesaw, GA for drug and alcohol abuse. They attend a church in Hendersonville, TN. After the Sunday morning service, we went to lunch with family, friends and the pastors of the church. As I visited with the pastor’s wife, she spoke of the scars of her own experiences with a son who was an addict and drug dealer in Nashville, but was now saved, delivered and being used by God in a powerful music ministry. He was working as their associate pastor and facilitating ministry in their church, helping others to be set free who were battling similar life-controlling issues.

So many times, as pastors, we need ministry given to us during our own healing processes! That afternoon, I received ministry. As I was listening to this pastor’s wife and mom speak through her tears, what I really remember was seeing her scars. In time, your wounds will begin to heal, but what will be left behind are the scars of those wounds. These scars serve as constant reminders of the greatness of God's power and most of all, how His love and mercy carry us through.

I remember that my wound was so great I felt that I could bleed to death. God took His hand of love and applied pressure at the right time—not to intensify the pain—but to stop the bleeding.

I am very observant now of people with scars, especially those with scars like mine. We have shared in the same process; the tears we cried when we were up all night waiting for our child to come home safely, the time we spent wondering and holding on in faith, hoping that today would be the day of their deliverance. The one thing I know is that this is a walk of faith and we must keep putting one foot in front of the other. Now as I look at my scars, they are a reminder that "God is for me, not against me" and that He will chase me down to bless me! The Psalmist says ". . . surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all of the days of my life” (Psalm 23.6).

I have been reminded of how God blessed Jacob in Genesis 32:22-32 at the rising of the sun and that he walked with a limp the rest of his natural life. His limp was like a scar that reminded him, as well as others, that he was no longer the person he once was. He was changed from Jacob to Israel. My scars have served their purpose, not only for me, but for others as well. To all of those going through a battle, DON'T QUIT! This could be your day, your loved one’s day of deliverance. The darkest hour is just before dawn.

I'm sure you see people with scars, and even some with fresh wounds. Today, perhaps that person is you. If so, I pray God will give you daily strength. Please allow God to apply the pressure of His love to stop the bleeding.

One final thought: when John saw Jesus in heaven, what he saw was the Lamb with the scars of His suffering still apparent on His body. Why? His scars will serve as a constant reminder, throughout eternity, of what He did for us.

May you be blessed and may God's extravagant presence surround you daily!

Kim Roberts,
A friend with scars