SCARS AND ALL

Brethren, I count not myself to have
apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting
those things which are behind, and
reaching forth unto those things which
are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13,14

As I have taught God's Word to others through the years, I usually express my gratitude for the fact that in the make up of Scripture, God chose to include the problems, faults and “warts” of those folks in Scripture we've come to love. It's as I look at their lives and see what could have been debilitating and defeating. It's an encouragement to me to read of such overcomers, Bible icons, but still flesh and blood human beings who could have fallen by the wayside instead of dealing with an issue and moving on.

All of us at times have gone through and endured some very depressing situations in our lives, wondering if our lives could ever count for anything again, let alone for God. There are situations Christians have encountered in their lives that could have shut them down where any expected future was concerned. I know of Christians who experienced abortion, abuse of every kind, financial defeat, health issues, tragedy involving family or friends, divorce, addictions, sexual sin and even death of loved ones.

Looking into Scripture, we see people, human beings like you and me, some high in stature and position, some just common ordinary who either committed sin they would have to live with or others thrown into difficult circumstances they didn't ask for. For instance:

Hannah: so desperately wanted to have a baby but was barren for a time David: King of Israel, guilty of adultery, ordering a murder
Moses; Struck a rock in the wilderness for water when God commanded him to speak to it
Peter: Denied Jesus
Mary Magdalene: accused of prostitution
Paul: Beatings and imprisonment
Jeremiah: Imprisoned for his prophetic teaching
Daniel: Captive in Babylon while a teenager
Esther: Also captive to an evil king but who was instrumental in saving her people

There are probably others I could list but as I look at the above list, I see people who dealt with their situations with God the director of their lives. There is no situation so bad in our lives that God cannot deal with as we cooperate with Him in repentance and dedication to His plan for our lives. Some of the above had to pay in the way of circumstances that resulted from their behaviors, but still gave their lives over to God for His use. Even as they dealt with their sin or concerns, they determined to push on.

We all have our scars. There's something interesting about bodily scars. They can be seen but after an injury heals, scars for the most part don't hurt. The main hurt they cause is in our memories of events that caused them. There are also mental scars that can often cause us more pain than physical ones. They can lead to a variety of problems if not given over to God for His keeping. Someone recently sent me something I think on Facebook and don't remember the source. I have typed it up for my Sunday school class. It says:

Scars only show us where we've been.
They don't dictate where we're going.

I love that. I've known many ladies who have found healing, scars and bad memories with God's power emanating from their lives. They are now jewels for the Kingdom and in those I know now who walk in victory, haven't looked back. They have their scars like we all have had, but now they are reminders of God's strengthening and forgiveness. Hopefully, all of us with our scars, but whole in Christ, can joyfully sing together:

I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
NO TURNING BACK,
NO TURNING BACK.

Satan would have us turn back, roll around in past issues, live in depression and anger, but that isn't God's design for you and me. Scars and all...we will press on.

Thank You Father, for the victory You give us. We can't make this life on our own and are grateful for Your power in our lives. It takes a definite decision to follow You. Help me to press forward with no looking back. We love you...In Jesus' precious name...Amen