Scars... Of Life; For Life.

A few weeks ago, while browsing the music second of the local thrift store, I could believe what my fingers had flipped through and now, pulled of the shelf, prompting an immediate, "I"m so buying this album!" I've seen Colton Dixon in concert, so while knowing his music is powerful stuff, I had yet to purchase his music. Until now. Someone had donated his album, The Messenger. But not just any album... an unopened copy! Whoever buys a brand new CD, then donates it, thanks for the score! (Oddly enough, we've scored a few items of clothing at that same store... brand new with tags)

Overall it's an incredibly powerful album, not really a bad song to be found... which is how I like buying albums anyway. But something stood out as I listened yesterday...

In the song scars, the chorus reads that "scars remind us who we are". At one point, the phrase changes slightly to, "Your scars remind us who  we are". We all go through life, battled and war-torn from situations and circumstances, challenge and difficulty, tragedy and great loss.

I shared a few days ago, a friend's dad passed from a heart attack, while in his rig. Yesterday, a friend posted, that Saturday night, his dad was rushed to the ER via ambulance, and they were unable to revive him. For these, life has left incredible scars. The days, weeks, months and perhaps, years will be difficult, as life continues without one of life's biggest supporters being present. Such events leave the mark on our lives.

However, the incredible reminder for those whose faith is in Christ, is that no matter what loss we encounter, no matter what failure we face, no matter our faults and mistakes or the difficulties that rise to defeat us; the scars that Christ suffered on our behalf remind us who we are in Him.

Our identity is in Him.
Our strength to continue each day, is found in Him.
Our hope...
Our peace...
Our reason to move forward in the face of adversity and tragedy, its' all in Him.

It doesn't make things less difficult. But there is a peace and a calm that only comes from relying on Christ. It doesn't matter why we have the scars, or who caused them, or how deep they go. God uses it all for the display of His glory, for the plans and purposes He has for every individual, whether they've yet to call on the name of the Lord or not.

Thus, pray with me, this #seniorPastorSunday, for pastors struggling to rely on Christ. Whether difficulty and tragedy are taking their toll, or regrets of failure and mistake are beating them up; pray these would like to Christ, first and foremost. While it's easy to think that would be an automatic response, they struggle as well, to maintain perspective and focus, so pray they would never fail to turn their eyes upon Jesus. May they be reminded to cast their cares and burden upon Him and may their be a peace of mind and strengthening of the heart, as God leads and guides their steps and brings illumination to their paths.

While scars remind us who we are, 
May His scars remind us who we are in Christ.
For His glory and honor.

​- PNC

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