Scars Tell a Story
There is about a two inch scar on my left thigh that saved my life. In August 1999 I went for a routine annual visit at my dermatologist as I had done for probably the last five years or so. Having a lot of moles, my mom started taking me as a teenager to have them checked. On this particular visit however, one was removed that ended up being melanoma. Since then I have had four more melanomas, plus many other biopsies. I have several scars.
I would bet everyone has at least one scar. In fact we all carry scars whether they are physical like mine or emotional. Some may have been caused by accident or been self-inflicted. Each scar can tell a story whether it was a good outcome or a bad one. And even when the pain fades (and believe me when you are cut deep – physically and emotionally – it can take a long time), we are left with a reminder.
Easter was a little over a week ago and while many have already forgotten about the importance of that day, during this time over 2000 years ago, Jesus was still walking on the earth having risen from the dead. However, He had a visible reminder of what had taken place a few days prior.
Those scars in Jesus’ hands and side (John 20:19-20) were proof He was indeed the One Who died on the cross. He was the same man Who allowed His sinless body to be beaten for our sins (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus had the power to remove those scars being all God, but He chose to leave evidence of His love for us.
See, those scars tell an amazing story of love and mercy and grace for all who accept Him. They tell of His victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:55).
When we see those glorious reminders in His hands and side, they tell us His suffering was necessary. His suffering was honorable. If we suffer for Christ, it is honorable as well.
Maybe you have a scar that tells the story of a life almost lost whether from cancer or addiction or abuse. Your story could become your ministry. Two weeks after the melanoma was removed in 1999, I was pregnant with my first child. If my dermatologist had not found that one “strange mole,” then my daughter and I may not be here today. Melanoma feeds off estrogen and can metastasize in utero to the baby. That one scar is truly a story of a miracle, thanks be to God.
Also, because of my experience with the melanoma, I have been able to help friends over the years who were facing the possibility of having this particular cancer. You may have been able to help others similarly after experiencing a trial in life such as divorce, a wayward child, depression and anxiety, and the list can go on and on. When you comfort others in the Lord through your personal knowledge, you are living out 2 Corinthians 1:4.
One of the disciples known as “doubting Thomas” told the others who had seen Jesus that he would not believe until he saw His scars. “Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Eight days later they were all together again when Jesus showed up. He told Thomas, “Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27-28). We are not told Thomas ended up touching Him, so I expect just seeing His wounds was enough as he responded, “My LORD and my God.” Your scar may convince someone of the precious love of our Savior. The story of your scar may prove the reality of Jesus Christ.
Jesus used His scars to tell His story of redemption. We can use our scars to point others to our Healer, to our Comforter, and to our Giver of Truth, eternal life, and second chances. Yes, Easter is passed, but continue to reflect on magnitude of what our loving Lord went through and those precious scars He still wears while in heaven. How can we use the scars in our lives for His glory? 💕
10 Comments
kathyvlittle
What a beautiful story….. beautifully written, beautifully lived! Beautifully lived out in Christ’s life and beautifully shared in your own! I loved the line: “Your scar may convince someone of the precious love of our Savior. The story of your scar may prove the reality of Jesus Christ.” What a blessing you are to so many as you share your faith and share your journey!
Leslie
I am FAR from what I want to be but the Lord is certainly growing me. Thank you for being a faithful reader and taking the time to comment. I appreciate you!
arricahess
I love this. Our suffering is a testament to rejoice in what the Savior has done in our lives!!
Leslie
Yes, even if we didn’t have the best testimony when going through a trial, the Lord can always make things work for His good. Suffering is certainly something that all of us will experience (in different degrees, I realize), and keeping our eyes on Him will make it easier to rejoice!
michalskisgreatadventure
Beautifully written, and what a wonderful topic! There is so much depth of meaning added to God’s love when we contemplate His risen glory, and the fact that He eternally preserved His scars in that glory! It’s amazing. I have a special place in my heart for scars. When my daughter was just two years old, in a series of instant-unfortunate-events, she ran out in the street and was hit by a car. I saw it all in slow motion. I saw her forehead hit the hood of the car, and I saw her little body fly through the air about 10 feet to land on the pavement. I prayed to the Lord in that moment that I knew all things, especially my little girl’s life, to be entirely in His hands. When I reached her side where my husband had gathered her into his arms, she was awake and crying. I held her hand to help her lay still and prayed with her and spoke with her about Jesus-with-us as we waited for the ambulance, and until she fell asleep under sedation. At the hospital, the medical staff completed all their checks and scans and x-rays, and told us that, miraculously, she was completely fine. The doctor literally told us, “This never happens, but there is absolutely no damage apart from the minor abrasions on her skin. She’s going to be just fine.” We praised the Lord for His miraculous protection and healing. Genevieve bears a small scar on her forehead, just below the hairline, which I regularly kiss, and tell her how much that scar means to me. That was the day that I was prepared for my little girl to go home to be with the Lord – and while I know that would have been wonderful, and I look forward to the day when we will all be there together with our Lord, I tell her how glad I am that I still get to spend days with her here on this earth. This scar also reminds me, personally, how in a time of testing, the Lord graciously strengthened me not to despair and to faithfully commit all things into His loving hands. I remember this so that I may hope to continue in faithful devotion to God’s will in whatever trials may come – I know that there are many things that could happen in my life that would certainly be too much for me to bear and I wouldn’t be able to stand firm in faith. I know that I can’t do it on my own, but I remember that God helped me to do it in my time of need!
Leslie
Wow, Sydney! Your daughter’s scar certainly has a powerful story of God’s grace and love and healing! We won’t know until heaven why she was spared, but it may have been because of your immediate reaction of faith in God. Thank you for sharing!! 💕
Erica
So thankful that He chose to keep His scars as a visible reminder of all of His love for us. Looking forward to following your blog posts!
Leslie
Yes, those beautiful scars show the love He has for us! Thank you for reading and subscribing, Erica! I look forward to your posts as well. 😊
Janelle Esker
Our scars point people to Jesus!
Leslie
💕