As I once again was treating my surgery scars today, I began to think about all that has happened this year. To be honest, it bothered me more than it should have to have two scars on my face. Yet, the surgeon was careful and they will not show much. My health has improved much as He removed the infection and did reconstruction to correct the root cause. Eventually, he said, the scars will fade even more. The pain will be worth it eventually.

It had me thinking of our God and our “life scars.” Our dear Father carefully and lovingly removes what needs to be from our lives and reconstructs what needs to be reconstructed. During these times, He draws us closer to Himself and shows us that He is sufficient.

Psalm 55:19 came to mind. “19 God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God.” The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ps 55:19.

God said that without changes the people had not feared Him. Our trials bring us to Him. They draw us in a way that nothing else can. It is when we are down that we realize that we cannot do it ourselves. We must rely on His strength, on Him during these times.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), 2 Co 12:9–10.

These scars remind us of what He has brought me through. They remind me of Him. Today, I am thankful for my scars.

What are you thankful for?