With
the ringing in of the New Year, it is natural to look back upon and
reflect on the previous year. Reflecting on the past year is a very
good habit; it allows us to see the big picture of the year as well
as see where each specific event fit into that overall scheme. When
you do this, though, you remember not only the fun and wonderful
times but you also remember the hard and painful periods!
As
many of my readers probably know, this last year I had to have
surgery on my hand to repair a broken knuckle and two cut tendons.
When I review 2015, this event and the ensuing time of recovery
continually comes into my remembrance! I remember the pain so very
well that I had when I first injured my hand. I remember the pain
after the surgery. I remember hearing the doctor say that it was very
likely that I would never again have full range of motion in my
finger. I remember the weeks and weeks of therapy and recovery. And
now, as a mark of all that, I see a scar on my hand that shall
forever remain. Every day following, I would see that scar and my
head just began to be filled with thoughts about “scars”. It
seems like that word is almost like a buzz word in society today and
people are always using it to describe their pain and dwell on the
fact that they will never again be the same. I almost always hear it
used in the negative sense, and while it is important to remember the
pain, it is even more important that we not forget that scars also
represent healing. Scars only appear where two things that were once
separated have been joined or a thing that was broken has been made
whole again! What if God gives us scars so that we can forever be
reminded of His healing work? I can tell you that it was because of
God's blessing and healing power that my hand has regained normal
motion. I thank God that He gave me a scar so that I will always
remember the pain that He pulled me out of, as well as, the process
that brought complete restoration and healing!
Also,
as I would consider what scars meant, it became amazingly clear to me
that scars point to and should remind us of the spiritual salvation
we find in Christ. For, it is by the scars Christ received that we
are completely restored to right standing before God our Father! Our
broken and sinful souls must be made whole...must be scared...so we
may have new life!
So,
as you look back during this time of reflection, when you see your
scars...whether they are physical, spiritual or emotional...please
remember the healing process that God brought you through or that He
is bringing you through! Do not dwell on the pain of the past, but
only remember the depth of the pain to testify to how amazing God's
healing power is to have raised you up out of such pain!
Let
us see our scars and smile because of God's gracious and restoring
work in our lives and let us thank Him for giving us that mark so
that we never forget!
Happy New Year!!! I pray God blesses you greatly in it!
Isa.
53:4-5
Surely
he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem
him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for
our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the
chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are
healed.
Amen! Such a truth filled and encouraging post.
ReplyDeleteTrue stuff right there! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the way you described scars. I always think of Christ when I think of scars. And how much love love love was in His many (many!) scars here on Earth and on the Cross for us. So amazing. :)
Just as a reminder to you that the scar on you hand is a sign God has given you to represent His love towards you. He protected you and gave the strength in those painful days. And, praise His Name, He has blessed you with full movement in it! :)