Tag: beauty

The Testimony Of Scars

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“The Testimony Of Scars” By Kirk Hunt

 

The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”

So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print [scars] of the nails, and put my finger into the print [scars] of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

John 20:25 NKJV

 

Thomas wanted proof. Like the other disciples, he knew for certain Jesus had died on the Cross. Now, he wanted the same kind of certainty that Jesus again lived. He wanted to see and touch the scars of the living, breathing Jesus.

 

Enough hurt, pain and loss will rattle the confidence, or drain hope from, even those with iron wills and steel souls. Too often, the words of others mean nothing in those dark moments of distress. Only the testimony of scars can speak to those who seem to have lost everything.

 

“See? Jesus brought me through the same crisis.” “His Spirit carried me when I got the same late-night call.” “His grace healed me of the same illness.”

 

God’s people too often hide their scars. By hiding them, we also hide the evidence of God’s power and restoration in our lives. Only survivors have scars. Survivors speak with an authority that exceeds all others.

 

Thomas finally got his living proof of the resurrected Jesus. You also have proof of the resurrected Jesus. His power has brought you through. Your scars are irrefutable proof of His power and authority in the real world.

 

Think:                My scars are irrefutable proof of God’s power and supremacy in my life.

 

Pray:                   “Lord, help me to use my scars to testify of You.”

 

 

Copyright © February 2016, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

Hurt, Yet Handsome

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“Hurt Yet Handsome” By Kirk Hunt

 

But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.

 

Ruth 1:20 NKJV

 

Naomi left Israel with two sons and a husband. Three funerals later, she felt God had allowed her to be lashed with harsh, hard strokes. The pagan widow who walked with her, would have seemed as much a burden, as a benefit, back home in Bethlehem. Still, Naomi was a handsome figure.

 

Despite her staggering loses and injuries, Naomi’s spirit remained bright and beautiful. Her daughter-in-laws were drawn to the strength and dignity that no darkness could hide. Hurt, yet handsome, Naomi represented as much safety and comfort as their own families and country could provide.

 

Despite hard and harsh times, Naomi lived up to her given name. Despite her own woes and wounds, Naomi concerned herself with the well-being of others. Orpah (v. 4) and Ruth insisted on following their mother-in-law, a woman with a name meaning beautiful or agreeable.

 

Your circumstances may indeed be harsh and hard, but that doesn’t have to effect your mind or spirit.   Despite tough times, your heart can remain a beacon of God’s joy and grace to others. God’s strength can work through you, wounds, tears and all.

 

The God of heaven sees you and your circumstances. Continue to let His light and love work through you anyway. You may feel hurt, but you remain handsome in His Eyes and theirs.

 

Think:            Even in dark circumstances, God’s light can shine through me.

 

Pray:               “Lord, help me remain an instrument of Your grace, despite my difficult circumstances.”

 

 

Copyright © May 2014, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.