War Scars
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: Romans 5:3-4
Have you ever wondered why you've had to endure so many trials? Or why sometimes people haven't heard the things things from God that you have and they reject you? Do you retain some hurts or the memories of yours and others' bad choices? Hmmm. Just for a few moments, take a break, look back, and remember where God has brought you from . . .
Give thanks with a greatful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ is Son
And now let the weak say I am strong
Let the poor say I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us
Give thanks
Chin up. Come to grips. And face the past and say, "Thank you God! You brought me out! And now I'm coming in!"
Notice how you are no longer in the conditions you were at one day and time. Remember how much you have grown and matured in Christ. Realize how you are no longer an empty person as you once were. Come to the realization that you have true friends who love you. Perceive and know how that YOU NOW HAVE PURPOSE.
God is gonna be able to use what happened in your life for His glory. He hasn't "caused" the junk to happen in your life but because you have surrendered to His call and said, "Yes Lord", He will turn your situation around and cause it to make you strong! All things work together for the good of them that love God and are called according to His purpose.
Do the war scars remain? After Christ's death and resurrection, His war scars remained as a memorial for all to see. Our scars remain in our lives so that we will not forget where GOD has brought us from.
Memories, experiences, failings, achievements, and heartbreaks. They haven't stopped us but we have said yes to God and those terrible terrible things have propelled us forward toward the mark and the prize of the high calling of God which is in Christ Jesus.
Rejoice and be glad! He is still working on us! Fear not for God is with us!
Let's end with one more verbal. "Thank you Lord. Thank you for where you've brought me from."
-Jeremy Brown (Dex)