A Day-by-day devotional

February 3, 2023

Badges of God’s grace

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 26-27

Scripture of the Day: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

I have a guitar that accidentally got hit by a music stand. It acquired a conspicuous scar which is far from aesthetic.

Often, it’s the same with life. Something hits you unexpectedly. Then you are scarred. However, as much as scars may look “ugly”, the more you have, the better person you become. Each scar represents a pain you have to go through in life.

The art and science of scarring is simple, yet before its formation, it passes through complex phases of healing. To illustrate, I have a keloid scar on my left knee. I was running, fell really bad and my knee hit the ground. The fall left me with an open wound for days which took a while to heal. During the healing process, a scab covered the wound site. After the wound was finally healed, in place of the scab, a keloid scar formed. I have been wearing the scar since I was five. It is now a mark I bear that reminds me of that unfortunate event in my childhood.

Some of us would cover up our scars. I covered my guitar’s scar with a sticker. But, it is best if we wear our scars uncovered and unhidden. After all, scars are badges that remind us how much we have endured.

Your scars are those moments when you were hurt, rejected, or abandoned. Your scars are the times when someone harmed you, or spoke negative things about you. Your scars are those instances when you fell.

Scars are unsightly. But we should be reminded that scars are marks of healing. It means the wound is no longer there. When a scar has appeared, it means the wound has disappeared. We then only have but the scar and a memory.

It might be difficult for us to forget what has transpired for us to incur our scars. But may our recollection of the pain be overtaken by knowing that each one of our scars bears the mark of God’s grace towards us. Every scar represents a trial we have triumphed over.

Your scars are your victories. Wear them like badges reminding you how God saw you through.

Reflection: What is the most painful experience in your life that left you scarred? How has this scar affected your perspectives in life?

Prayer: Lord, I may bear a lot of scars, but I am grateful that you have never left me alone in each of those times that led me to have them. These scars are badges of your grace and love for me. You are my strength and my shield. Amen.