The Secret Scars

I have a guest writer today.  Naomi Charis Stewart.  She is a gift to us, and in the last almost 2 years of suffering, she has pressed into her Creator for strength.  She sat in our car, at the point of maximum impact, as we were crushed on March 31, 2017.  The enemy wanted her to be gone, silent forever, as she is a threat to his domain.  But she is a warrior for the Kingdom of Heaven.  Through her suffering, God has been cultivating a heart that is even more radiant, rooted in Him, and fitted for mighty deeds.  Please read this entry, be encouraged, and share with anyone who needs to hear it.

The Secret Scars

By: Naomi Stewart

Tall, long dark hair, freckled face, and holding a book. That is the extent of what most people notice, but under the surface there is more. And I, the Lord, can see all of it; all of her scars: the secret scars, the painful scars, the deep tissue bone-breaking scars. I can see the scars that have lead to her undoing. I see her open scars and I see her future scars. I can see the scars that are far too complicated to be seen on the surface. Even beyond that, I see the pain that has come with each scar. I see the heartache, and the heartbreak, and the doubt, and the fear, and the questions and the hurt. I can see her struggle to grasp why I allow this to happen; wonder why I can’t just take it away. In the midst of every trial, I will always be whispering this song to her:

"My Beloved, every scar that I allow to touch you is sacred. Each scar brings with it a great power that vastly outshines any pain that it causes. I will never allow you to hurt without a purpose. I grieve over the weight that you carry in this world in order to become who I have designed you to be. You need to know that the reason I allow you to be scarred is because there will be a victory through your scars just like there is a victory through mine. My child, I know how painful scars are. I know what it is like to walk in total darkness and feel completely alone. Take heart, because now my once open scars have shown people victory over death and your scars, whether they are open or healed, show people me. Do not be afraid to show your scars, you may be surprised that others have some just like you.  Some people will be intimidated by your scars and if so lean in to me, it’s not time for them to understand your scars because they first need to understand mine. The holes in my hands and feet are because I love you and will do everything to let you know it. They are there for the world to see that I am the light in the darkness and nothing will ever be able to put me out. All you have to do is believe in me and this same light will be in you. I will become the beacon in the dark to guide you through this broken world. I have come to shatter the darkness. So, do not fear the scarring because I have overcome."

And as that worn out girl sits there reading a book, I can see how the scars have hurt her. Yet, while I fully see all of the broken, I also see all of the beauty. I can see how the scars shape her. I see the fruit that will hang from a firmly rooted tree. And I can’t help but smile as I see her beautiful future, filled with abundant life that flows freely from her scars. I see deep sympathy for hurting people because of the scars that have come with much hurting. I can see how heartache and pain enhance the precious value in dancing and smiling and laughing and joy. Best of all, my light is shining so brightly through all of her broken cracks that people cannot look at her and be satisfied with their lives in the dark.

This is not only what I see when I look at her, but this is what I see when I look at you. My child, whatever you are walking through right now, do not give up. Take courage, for this scarring world is only the beginning of your story. I have so much more in store for you than what you can see on your present horizon. This narrow road I have called you to is walked by weathered travelers, so when you feel crushed by the weight of this world know you are in good company. Search for the light, I promise there will always be a light in the darkness for you. Darkness does not terrify me and one day its reign in this world will be over. Then at last, when this ragged world is finally behind you, I will become the everlasting light that shines over everything; there will be darkness no more. Until then run your race, seek the light, and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that whatever you are facing now is not the end, but rather the beginning of something that is greater than you can imagine. 

-  There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in

with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us,

and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for

whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling

shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold

everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit. - Romans 5:3-

5 (The Message)