Ignition Point Ministries | Jeremiah and Courtenay Bowser

"Scar" - n. A mark left on the skin after a surface injury or wound has healed. A lingering sign of damage or injury, either mental or physical.

Scars are not comfortable to look at. When I see someone with a bad scar somewhere on their body, my first instinct is to look away... to avoid starring... and pretend it isn't there. Scars are usually considered a shame or embarrassment to those who have them. For this reason, people usually go to great lengths to cover up or draw attention away from scars. I have seen people use make-up, carefully combed hair, or clothing to cover their scars.

I think that the stigma surrounding scars holds equally true in our spiritual lives as well. If we have had a battle in our lives, a problem or failure that has left a mark, we consider ourselves and are considered by others to be lesser, weakened, imperfect, blemished or damaged goods. We try to hide our scars, instead of letting everyone see. 

But, think about something. If a wound is unable to scar, than it would remain open and wouldn't heal. It would continue to bleed and get infected. Eventually the victim would succumb to the infection or bleed out and die. Could it be that scars are a good thing? YES! They are actually a sign of health. They are part of the healing process.

 I remember hearing my pastor make a statement many years ago. He said, "Your scars give you authority." A great illustration of this point is available when considering the lion's role in the animal kingdom. I have heard that you can always tell which lion is the dominant lion in the pride (group of lions) because he is the one with the most scars. All other lions continually attack the dominant lion in an attempt to beat him and take over the pride and the right to the female lions. So, the dominant lion is the one that has won the most battles. He is the one that has overcome everything meant to defeat him.

The definitions of the words "scars" and "testimony" are very similar. The word "testimony" is defined as, "evidence in support of a fact or statement; proof." So, a scar is a testimony of a wound that has healed. It is evidence in support of someone who is an over-comer. Scars (emotional or physical) are nothing to be ashamed of. Instead, with authority, we should be able to minister to people from the stories and testimonies that our scars tell.

Jesus had scars... in his side and on both hands and feet. They served as reminders and proof of what he had overcome. The key word there is OVERCOME. Death, hell and the grave... what a testimony.