What are your scars from the past? We all have them. Most scars go deep into the root of who we are. They may be physical, emotional, or even spiritual. Some scars are so old we barely remember all of the details. Some are still so sore we don’t think we can ever forget them.
The one truth about scars from the past is this: We can’t go back and change what caused them.
As we look at life, it may feel like there is a great divide between where we are and the life we had hoped to live. Our scars of failure, disappointment, guilt and regret are often a reminder of where we’ve been, and they keep us on the side of life we wish we could leave behind. But the scars of our past don’t have to keep us trapped. They don’t have to stay hidden. They don’t prevent us from finding true joy and hope in life.
Scars from the past can be stepping stones to purpose-filled life.
Instead of being afraid or ashamed of our scars, we can find healing as we realize that our past struggles allow us to help others who are struggling in similar ways. We may have made bad choices or others may have hurt us in ways we never want to relive. No matter what scars we bear, we are loved and we are special. And we can rise above real life and not only find hope for ourselves and our family, but for others as well.
The pain of our scars turns to purpose when we go to God for healing and allow Him to restore us. He transforms our scars into beacons of hope for others. Here’s how:
1. Once we accept the gift of new life Christ offers us, He completely washes away our past sins, and healing of our broken places begins. Our past isn’t changed, but our path is. We’re no longer struggling in the dark pits of life or limping along in the wilderness. We’re able to break free of all that held us down, and live freely in the hope and light of eternal life ahead. In Christ alone we can find release of the burdens and secrets that have weighed us down for so long.
2. Our purpose in life is often birthed from our hardest trials. Ask anyone who has a ministry or organization focused on helping others, and most will agree that the passion and original vision for what they do came from their own suffering or that of someone close to them. We don’t want others to have to go through what we did. We want to make this world a better place. We want to give others the love and help we wish we had back then. God can turn our worst experiences into life-changing hope for others.
You can have a life full of joy. You can find freedom from the scars of the past. And you can turn your scars into stepping stones of purpose. Rise above your past scars and be a light reflecting the hope of Jesus into someone else’s darkness. Then you can help them take steps toward new life too.
“I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)
Let’s Talk: How can your scars from the past be stepping stones to a new future?
May I pray?
Lord, many of us have struggled through very dark times. But You are calling us to come and be healed. You are asking us to walk forward from the past and rejoice in what lies ahead. Help us to lay aside fears, shame, guilt, and regret. Help us to break free from any other lies that have a stranglehold on us. May we fix our eyes on Jesus and press on toward the purpose-filled life you are calling us to. May the joy of our new life be a beacon of hope to others as we walk this journey together in sisterhood. Amen.