Scars

SCARS in your life

I was watching a program where a man had scars on his stomach from a rodeo injury and was very subconscious about them and did not want anyone to see them or talk about them. After learning about the scars and his reluctance to talk about them a friend made a profound statement, in my opinion, to him. She asked “are you wearing the scars or are the scars wearing you?”

He was wounded, not just physically but also mentally. His scars and wound affected his life in many ways. They held a secret, a wound that did not heal, he kept distances from people, even people he cared about, and most importantly, his mental wound just would not heal. Was it pride, self consciousness, self pity, only he knew the real answer?

Does this scenario sound familiar? It should, it is probably felt by most people on the planet. Some of us allow our wounds, mentally and physically, to heal and the scars do not hold us back. Others may never have healing from the wounds or scars. They carry them around as if they were a millstone around their neck and they never find true peace and joy in their life until they find relief and that comes through Jesus Christ.

I can attest to wounds and scars because I was wounded and scarred starting 50 years ago. The wounds healed but it took years and the help of Jesus for me to be able to not allow the scars to define me. Even though Jesus has healed the hurt the scars caused by my sin and forgiven me for the wounds and scars I caused others, the consequences of the scars still linger in my mind and have affected me to this day.

Everyone has wounds and scars. Some are able to hide them both physically and mentally, however, that does not mean they are not there. Secular people have plastic surgeons, self help books, pod-casts, and their own strength and power (so they say) to help them overcome and heal. But do they really heal?

As Christ followers we are called by Jesus, thru the Scriptures, to acknowledge the wounds and scars we have and allow Him to help us get through the difficult times we face. We also have fellow Christ followers to come along side of us with support and prayer as we struggle.   

Be it the secular or Christian wounded and scarred we must get the help we need or our lives will forever be inflicted with pain and suffering both for us and others in our lives because of the way we acted. Untreated wounds and scares do not heal themselves.

As a Christ follower what did I do to overcome? First I acknowledged my plight and took responsibility and ownership of my wounds (sins). Then I repented, realized what I had done wrong, and started to accept, and use, the wisdom and sound advice Jesus gave me through scripture.  

We must turn all of our concerns and sins over to Jesus, repent and surround our self with strong brothers and sisters in Christ that will support us and pray for and with us as we struggle. Also get the necessary medical attention we may need if necessary. And there are many strong Biblically based counselors that are there to help us overcome our struggles. We can find a cure for those wounds and scars if we will surrender to Jesus and allow Him to help us find the joy and peace in all circumstances (Philippians 4:6-7) that is beyond our understanding.

Below are a few Scriptures that are helpful with healing;

Matthew 11:28, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

1 Chronicles 16:11, Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

1 Peter 5:7, Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Romans 5:17, For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.

Psalm 34:17-18, When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

1 Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 30:11, You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.

Romans 8:28, And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Remember;

Don’t consider others feelings about you or judge you, you only answer to God; Romans 14:12, So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Remember that God knows your wounds and scars and remembers them no more; 1 John 1:19, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.

Remember Romans 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ.

And do remember God has a wonderful plan for you; Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

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