Scars: Repurposing ImperfectionSample

John 20:27 (NIV) says, "Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.""

Like Thomas, we must stop doubting and believe that God makes all things work together for the good of those that love Him (Romans 8:28). 

When we truly begin to believe Romans 8:28, we will see that our mistakes, disappointments, traumatic childhood experiences or whatever wounded us can be used or repurposed for a greater good. Believing Romans 8:28 will also make us more conscious of the fact that God desires that we use every challenge and unpleasant experience the enemy designed to harm us as opportunities to bring comfort to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

I was disappointed with God for not having the birth experience I desired. My cesarean section scar used to remind me that my prayer for an easy childbirth was unanswered and I had failed in my attempt to have a "natural" birth. Believing Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 renewed my mind. My experience and disappointment made it easy to empathize with other moms and comfort them. Now, my scars remind me that I was willing to lay down my life for another, that I did not die from birth complications, and that God did answer me for what He knew would be for my good. 

Reflection: How can I use my visible and invisible scars for the greater good? Does my unpleasant experience position me to comfort others and look to Him?