Monday, 15, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

The Purpose of Our Scars

2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

For a moment, I would like for us to consider the circumstances of the Apostle Paul who penned today's scripture. Paul was beaten to near death, imprisoned, and rejected time and time again because of his love for God.

And what was his response to such horrific treatment? He described it as "light and momentary troubles." Wow! Paul had a revelation that--if we truly grasped--could cause us to face our trials and tribulations with a completely different perspective.

Paul realized that He was only on this earth for a short time, a moment compared to eternity. So, he lived a relentless life for Christ. NOTHING could deter him.

I believe Paul--inspired by the example of Jesus--saw a purpose in each of his scars.

In John 20, Jesus is raised from the grave and returns to His disciples. He reinforced that it was indeed Him by showing them the scars on His hands and sides. Thomas, who was not there, refused to believe it until he physically touched the flesh that nails were once driven through.

After allowing him to do so, Jesus said to Thomas, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. (John 20:29)"

In reading this account, I've wondered why Jesus--Who was RAISED from the grave--still had scars. Couldn't God have replaced the flesh on His hands as Jesus did for the solider whose ear was slayed?

Of course He could have! However, He knew that there would always be those that doubted. He wore those scars not as a sign of defeat but as a sign a victory...a sign of "eternal glory" as described in today's scripture.

Know that the things you are going through or have gone through are NOT in vain. They too are YOUR scars of VICTORY--your testimony of God's love.

I challenge you today to use the "scars" in your life as an opportunity to relate with others and to make Jesus and His love "real" to them.

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your grace and love that has brought me through some of the most trying times of my life. I realize that this life is but a vapor, and I purpose to use my time on earth as an example of Your love and provision.

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.