Battle scars, spiritual battle scars... These remnants are reminders of trials, obsticals, and stresses that you've had to endure and overcome through the years. We all have them. For some, it's the loss of a loved one fought with confusion and frustration that left you crying or even screaming at God. For others is a fleshly desire to do your own thing when God has bigger plans for you. For most, the battle wages in the everyday stresses of life that pile on and on until surrounding us like an impenetrable force that seems to keep us trapped in fear or isolation. We stifle our hopes and dreams conceding to the painful fact that it will never happen for us.
Then we pray. Our knees hit the desolate ground, our voice rages louder and the God of heaven takes notice. We fight in prayer to press forward while God fights to clear the path. His sword cuts down the enemy, while his gentle hand provides us peace. Soon it's joy unspeakable that takes control and we know the battle isn't ours to wage or ours to win, the victory belongs to Him. As our enemy is laid to waste a still small voice beckons to us rise and see the triumph.
This Thanksgiving I'm thankful for each and every battle scar, but especially the ones left in the hands, feet and side of my Savior who I know fights for me.
1Pe 4:12-13 KJV 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.