There is a beautiful story in the last chapter of the Gospel of Luke …
A group is listening to two of the disciples share about their encounter with Jesus while on the road to Emmaus. Suddenly, Jesus appears among them, saying, “Peace be with you†(Luke 24:36). Discovering someone suddenly in our midst would hardly lend itself to my being “peacefulâ€, as I startle easily.
It is to this group, now startled and frightened, Jesus begins to put their minds to rest by showing His scars and inviting them to even touch those very scars. He sits with them, breaks bread and eats with them. He opens their minds to understand the Scriptures and all that was said about Him.
As I read this story, I realized …
Every scar has a story attached to it.
As Jesus shared His scars with those disciples, their eyes were opened, their faith was restored, and they believed anew He was the Son of God, had died, and was now risen. Hope sprung to life. They were able to go on and do those things He had set for them to accomplish.
And so it is with each one of us. My scars tell a story. So do yours. May we live in such a way as to tell our story, for each one of our stories fits inside of the grander story, His story.
- “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.†(John 3:16 NIV).
- “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.†(John 10:10 NIV).
As the disciples came to know the scars of Jesus, they came to believe and trust in Him. As we share our scars with others, may our scars point them to Jesus who loves – deeply, fully and unconditionally.
Our scars tell a story –
the story of Jesus at work in our lives.
Today I am joining … Grace Moments and #ChasingCommunity and Heart Encouragement Thursday and Tune In Thursday and Salt & Light .
I love this message, because it’s so true!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
#TuneInThursday
I am so glad you stopped here as it reminded me to come visit your space 🙂 You have such a fun blog with showcasing styles for each age bracket. I enjoyed browsing around there very much! You are all beautiful!
This is beautiful, Joanne! Visiting from #heartencouragement today.
Such truth. Our scars are what connect us, aren’t they? I’m not attracted to someone’s perfection, but to their humanity. Our stories hold so much more weight than we ever realize, I bet. Powerful they are. Thanks for sharing, Joanne. ((xoxo))
Brenda, you have shared such a powerful thought! It is so true. Perfectionism tends to put distance between people.But a story about struggles and overcoming not only draws us together, but forms strong bonds of friendship. We learn and grow from one another in ways we would not on our own. So grateful we chase community together 🙂 Blessings!
This is a wonderful point, Joanne. Scars are such a powerful connection point, aren’t they? But only, as you say, if we share the stories behind them, not keep them hidden away where no one else can see them. Thanks for this encouragement today! #HeartEncouragementThursday
As I read your comment, Lois, I wondered if you realize the wisdom you brought. May we be discerning in who we reveal our scars and stories to as well, so as not to reopen any. May we trust God to show us when and who, for stories are meant to be told in the right time – His. I am grateful you shared!
Joanne,
Scars are our testimony story to the work of God in our lives, the hope He gives us, the joy of deliverance. And when we have healed, we can offer others this same hope. Love how you linked that in to the Emmaus Walk.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis, I am so grateful for you! You worded it beautiful – “And when we have healed, we can offer others this same hope.” There is much wisdom in those words. May we share as the Lord prompts us.
So powerful. So often we try to hide our scars and our stories, but we can bring the Kingdom of God through sharing them! Thanks for this encouragement 🙂
Our stories are meant to encourage and spur one another on in this journey of faith. God can use our stories to infuse hope and strengthen our faith. Thank you for encouraging me!
Joanne, this is so great and so true. Scars provide a story and a testimony and our testimonies can help to lift each other up and renew our faith. Thanks for linking up with #TuneInThursday yesterday. See you next week!
It’s always a blessing to join in each week, Debbie. The link up always brings an encouraging thought through the many wonderful posts one can discover there! Blessings!