Day 6 in England: Scars

On Saturday we held a family fun day at Hodge House in Nelson and then in the evening we held a service in the area. During the service we did cardboard testimonies where we held up pieces of cardboard that gave a sentence on one side about what we were like before God got a hold of us, and on the other side gave a sentence of how He's changed our lives. It was very powerful to see the different stories He's given us and what we've come from.

      The sermon was called Scars. One of the lines that stuck with me was when Pastor Joey, of the American team, said that scars are reminders of the pain we've endured, but that they are also symbols of what we've survived. Everyone has a scar that they can be ashamed of, but God turns those stories of hurt or failure around to become powerful testimonies.

      The Bible says that the enemy will be defeated by the blood of Jesus (His sacrifice on the cross) and by our testimonies (Revelation 12:11). If we remain quiet about our scars then we are refusing to wield a powerful weapon against the enemy.

      Thomas (one of the 12 disciples) wouldn't believe that Jesus was resurrected until he saw Him for himself. He said, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my hands into his side, I will not believe it" (John 20:25 NIV). A week later, he got to do just that and believed, exclaiming, "My Lord and my God!" (v.28).

      People won't believe until they are able to see your scars. They won't call God Lord until they can see what He can do and what He is willing to do. Our scars prove He can bring life where there is death. They prove His love and power.

      The reminder of the pain behind our scars (whether physical or emotional) hurts, but someone is hurting now. They can begin healing if you just shared your story of what God has taken you from. Stop living in defeat. That scar is proof that He's made you not just a survivor, but a conqueror. Go share that story of victory with someone who's where you once were. Give them hope for God's redemptive power so they too can believe and experience it.