Good morning people who live to be a blessing

(By David McCracken)

Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

There is a difference between a “wound” and a “scar”.

A wound it still open, vulnerable to disease, not yet fully healed, often very painful.

A scar is that which is fully healed but a reminder of that former condition and may be with us for the rest of our life. Not as a vulnerability but as an empowerment to minister life into others.

Friends we have a choice:

We retain our wounds as vulnerable, unhealed areas of life that attract disease and ultimately begin to smell and become repugnant to others (bitterness will do that to you). Wounds, left unhealed, alienate us from others as our lives become uncomfortable to be around. There is a foul aroma that is negative, critical, resentful, that repels those who come into our world. Our unhealed wounds have made us leprous relationally.

Our second option is that, we take our wounds to the cross and gain a revelation of how that pain can become redemptive in the lives of others. As we thank God for His grace, and love, we dedicate ourselves to pouring our lives into others, and God’s healing restorative work is applied: the wound becomes a scar. That scar now is a symbol of one healed, not of one raw and exposed: it is now a source of identifying with the need of others.

People can see your scar and instantly know you can identify. But because it is now healed, they know you also must have found some answers. Some have said that going through the fire honours God. Not true! Going through the fire and not smelling like smoke, honours God!

Friends, your scar becomes a declaration of hope to those still struggling with their woundedness.

I rejoice in God’s redemptive grace.

(Today’s BIY written by David McCracken)