SCARS OF LIFE

And being found in appearance

as a man, He humbled Himself

and became obedient to the

the point of death, even the death

of the cross.

Philippians 2:8

 We all have them...scars accumulated from our various ups and downs of life.  They say with age, physical scars tend to fade or disappear, but I can still make out a few from time past.  Some folks bear physical scars with some real damage that was done to them perhaps through a car accident or even through serious burns.  Some scars are barely visible but some much more obvious.

Some of our scars bring back some very negative feelings.  Some scars may even bring a bit of a smile when we think of some scar experiences.  Such physical wounding results depend on each individual.

There are some scars that aren't visible and can't be seen because they are inside of us.  Terrible events in our lives can leave one emotionally damaged.  That damage isn't easily recognized by the outside world or even by the person who bears them.  They may have come through tragic events or through hurts that are too hard to think about.

Scars are handled differently by those who bear them.  Some folks require some special counseling, and some with special time spent with the Lord.  You see, Jesus knows a whole lot about scars, scars He didn't deserve in any way.  He went through an execution meant for the worst of the worst, despite His total innocence.  We hear about His nail-scarred hands but the other scars left on His precious body couldn't be counted.

Our scars come from everyday living and general circumstances of life.  His scars weren't just physical, the also reached to the depths of His very being.  His scars didn't come from a fall or even a work related accident.  His scars came about because of you and me.  The physical and emotional pain can't be calculated but what of the pain of bearing alone the sins of the world.  Now that's some very serious scarring...for you, for me...which makes our scars look very small in comparison.

Father, thank You for helping us bear the scars life has presented to us but thank You even more for Jesus, Who took on scars for us we can't begin to comprehend or appreciate.  Thank You Jesus...Amen