SCARS
Bernadette Keene
Today’s Scripture: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18, ESV
Theme: Being joyful and rejoicing do not and cannot depend on circumstances.
REJECTION
Several years ago, while enjoying a day at the pool, I dove into the water to cool off and dragged my knee across a sharp object protruding out of the bottom of the pool. The searing pain forced me out of the water to discover a large cut that was deep enough to see down into my kneecap. Although it hurt, a few butterfly stitches, coupled with time, fixed it right up. My knee doesn’t hurt anymore, but the reminder of that painful experience is still there in the form of a scar.
Most of us have no problem showing the scars on our body; it is kind of like sharing a victory from a distant battle we survived or showing off the biggest fish you caught. Comparing scars is like a rite of passage. There are many “scar” stories I could share, some as simple as a scraped elbow to a lumpectomy; some easy to talk about and some not so easy. In the movie Soul on Fire, John has moments when he is ashamed of the burn scars on his hands. They’re not just burns, but hands reshaped after losing his fingers. His hands are different than other people, and although he is confident most of the time, he still experiences challenges with flashbacks and faces the fear of rejection due to his injuries.
It is true that some people will reject us because of our scars, but not Jesus. He brings people into our lives that love us just as we are, scars, and all. I am so thankful.
ENGRAVED
Scars are storytellers, and each one, whether seen or unseen, makes up the story of who we are. Some scars we can look at and remember without pain and others are more difficult to overcome. Yet one thing I know for certain is that the scars on the hands, feet, and side of Jesus have the power to heal all our scars. The One who was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities, and chastened for our well-being has your name engraved on the palm of His hand- in the form of a scar. I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be than engraved on the hands of Jesus.
Make It Personal: Perhaps there are scars you've tried to keep from Jesus, though nothing is truly hidden from Him—He knows every mark, whether visible or not. Your true self is fully known to Him, and He desires you to approach Him just as you are, allowing His love to heal those wounded parts you conceal. Healing isn't only for your own benefit; it equips you to share your story and support others who might need to hear about God's goodness.
Pray: Heavenly Father, even when circumstances are difficult and blessings seem scarce, help us always to trust in You, and rejoice in Your goodness. Fill our hearts with joy because You are our salvation and our strength. Remind us of the healing found in the scars of Jesus, where pain was transformed into hope and love for us. May those scars be a reminder that You bring restoration and healing, even through suffering. Make our feet sure and steady and lead us confidently through every challenge we face, knowing You are always with us. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
Read: Habakkuk 3:17-19, 1 Peter 2:24
Weekly Memory Verse: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14, ESV