Scars

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and I was spending it with my cousin. I was only eight years old, but remember it quite well. You see, the fun came to a sudden end when she ran over me with her bicycle! It was only an accident of course. I think I was skipping on the sidewalk and she came up behind me just a little too quickly. I still have a scar on my knee from the little accident. Perhaps that’s why I have always remembered what would have otherwise been a normal Saturday in the life of an eight year old. I had a scar to remind me.
We all have scars. Some are just visible to the eye while others are not. While I boast the scar on me knee that reminds me of that little mishap, I also have scars that you cannot see that reminds me of other wounding in my life. The essential thing is what I use that scar for, that reminder. Romans 8:28 “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I can choose to use my scars to harbor grudges, self-pity, fear, and much more negative; or I can utilize them for the good. My scars can perhaps help someone that has been wounded in much the same way, allowing God to bring healing to that individual’s life, or perhaps those scars will only be used for my sake. Either way, we know God can use them for good if we allow him to. When Thomas doubted the resurrection of Jesus what was it that allowed him to believe? Yes, of course, the scars. In John 20:26 Thomas said “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” of course further down in verse 27 Jesus has appeared to the disciples and he says to Thomas “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side.” Jesus used his nail scared hands and side to help Thomas believe.
Do you have a scar that needs to have the bandage removed? Sometimes that is when the greatest healing takes place. Allow God to be your healer. Perhaps you in turn will be used by God to aid in the healing of others with a similar wound.