What happened to you? Why are we the way we are? The impact of a person’s history and life experiences reveals scars and stories. If you have a physical scar, the question can lead to the story. But what if what happened to you didn’t leave a physical scar- does that mean it has less significance? Of course not.
- Do you have a ‘scar’ that is invisible? (The answer is ‘yes’ for everyone, even if they don’t realize it quite yet). What significant events or experiences have you had that are ‘untouchable’? Meaning you cannot speak about them or have no peace about them.
- ‘Doubting Thomas’ wanted proof of Jesus scars, he couldn’t believe it was Him! What scars do you have that you still deny or are still in shock that it happened?
Trauma is defined as “an emotional response to a terrible event”, either acute, chronic, and complex. Trauma is also used to describe a serious physical injury to the body, blunt force, and penetrating. We will all experience trauma, it is part of the human experience, and we all respond differently to trauma, it affects us spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
- Do you know your own story well enough to recognize trauma in your past? Many times, we don’t realize what we have experienced was trauma and it continues to govern our lives in ways we do not recognize.
When we decide to follow Christ, we may believe all will be well in our lives and find scripture to stuff any doubts. Then when difficulty hits, we can get stuck or walk away from our faith. God can handle our doubts, fears and trials-we need to bring them to Him in prayer. We need to share with others about what we are going through. We will discover we are not alone.
In recovery there is a saying that says, ‘acceptance is the answer to all my problems today’. Acceptance doesn’t mean agreement, nor does it mean you like it, it simply means acknowledging reality will help move towards resolution. Imagine pointing to a physical scar and say,” nothing happened” -of course something happened-there’s a scar! When our lives are stuck in emotional turmoil, it is the equivalent of a scar or a gaping wound that has become infected. When we blame God for a trauma we experienced, it’s like refusing the very medicine that can provide healing.
- What story about your ‘scar’ needs restoration? So many testify to how they overcame insurmountable odds to victory- will this be the story you tell about your scars?
- Finding meaning does not mean understanding ‘why’ it happened, rather it is the story you tell ‘because’ it happened. What story do you want to tell?
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. (Read all of Romans 8 this week) God has a purpose for your life, all of your life, scars too. Begin to ask God to reveal His purpose for your pain and invite him into your story. “I’ll testify of the battles You’ve won; How You were my portion when there wasn’t enough, I’ll testify of the seas that we’ve crossed, the waters You parted, the waves that I’ve walked; It’s the story I’ll tell” (Maverick City Music)
We all struggle with something, have experienced pain, and need a Savior.
Many will become accustomed to the struggle and begin to identify with it-sometimes taking on a ‘victim mentality”. This is not God’s plan. Rather, we are to be overcomers (Revelation 12:11). We will have the strength to battle and be victorious over whatever seeks to take our focus off God.
- What is the story you tell that keeps you in the same struggle?
- Justifiable resentment is when we have experienced hurt or pain and feel justified in our resentment. Is there a temptation to stay resentful?
- Learned helplessness is victim mindset “I can’t” and “No one will help/understand/cares”. Are you tempted to stay comfortably miserable?
- Are you unsure of what God wants for your life?
Our power is in our spiritual dependance, fully relying on God’s strength and surrendering to His will for our lives.
You have a soul worth fighting for. If you forget you need God’s strength, the enemy will offer a distraction or cheap substitute. Confusion and complacency will always lead to failure. Focusing on God daily and connecting with others will help us live our lives with clarity.
- What is God saying to you about your life? If you are not sure, how can you create space in which you can hear from God? Are others’ voices/opinions/criticisms louder in your life that God’s voice?
- How will you get whole, get strong and get new strength for your life?
- Are you praying for new strength for old battles?
If God can do anything, He can do everything. The Apostle Paul, writing from a prison cell, reminds us “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”. (Philippians 4:13). Whenever you are tempted, “no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. And God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
