“Paul’s Scars” by Kirk Hunt
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
2 Corinthians 11:24-25 KJV
Jagged marks from a stoning. A latticework of lines from various whippings. The Apostle Paul must have had a large set of ugly scars.
Still, Paul’s scars served a valuable purpose. Handcuffed to soldiers of the Praetorian Guard, the roughest and toughest of Roman soldiers, Paul had instant credibility. Writing and speaking to persecuted Christians, Paul’s scars gave his message undeniable authority and inescapable comfort.
Paul’s Scars represent the good that comes from a Christian’s bad experiences. Only God would choose to turn the ugly marks of our trials into the beautiful trophies of our victories. Or should I say, God’s victories?
Look at the lines and marks of your journey. The common wisdom calls them ugly reminders. In the light of God’s purpose they are beautiful trophies. God has a purpose and plan for your scars, and you.
You may not understand why you had to go through. Just remember that God loves you. He has a plan for those using your scars as trophies.
Think: In God’s hands and purpose, my trials become triumphs.
Pray: “Lord, I don’t always understand, but I choose to trust You.”
Copyright © July 2009, Kirk Hunt