The value of scars
Your scars have value in the eyes of Christ.
We all have scars, war wounds, and we all try to keep the marks locked away. Maybe it is shame, because if others see the scars left from the storm, they will not receive you, avoid you. Maybe we think we will wear a scarlet letter.
But we will all have scars left from the storms of life.
Storms come when you least expect it, when life is good. Storms don’t come in the valleys but on the peaks. If the storms of life could be predicted, they would be avoided.
Storms blindside you, and they leave a scar.
The evening of the Day of Resurrection, Jesus enters the locked room where the disciples were hiding in fear. For proof of who He was, Jesus shows them the scars in his hands and side. It was proof of who He was and where He had been.
The scars were proof of Jesus. The scars were proof that He had overcome.
The same can be said of our scars. When revealed to an outside world, they are proof that He is. When the marks are shown to others, they are proof that Christ overcomes. When we share our story, we share Jesus.
Jesus is consistently referred to as the Light.
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
It is hard to understand storms, why they come, why they would be allowed. However, one thing is certain, your scars can help bring others Light when darkness abounds.
When we are on the peaks of life, we tend to trust in ourselves, pat ourselves on the back. Sure, we talk about how good God is, but we are highly dependent on ourselves. The light (little l) is shining all around.
However, when the storm comes, confusion comes. We question God. We can’t depend on ourself. The scar of life is visible. The tendency is to think, “why me?” Darkness abounds, and we desperately need the Light of Life.
We have all been there or will be there. This is why transparent community is desperately needed in the church and in life. We need to show our scars as visible proof that Jesus exists and He overcomes.
The voice that transparently shares the scars left from storms provides Light for others.
The scars from the storm are a gift of God for others.
Walk into the storm with another today.
Impact others. Live generously.