So I had a revelation tonight while I was doing my devotions. I was reading through 2 Corinthians and in chapter 5 it talks about how we are now in our earthly bodies but longing to be in our heavenly bodies. It got me to thinking about my earthly body and things I have done to it. For some background information, I have struggled with cutting since I was in 8th grade. I don't struggle as much as I did in high school, but every once in a while I do fall into that sin. Most often I try to hide my scars because I am afraid of what others will think of me or that others might ask me about them. After reading about our heavenly bodies, I got to thinking. When I get to heaven, I won't have all the scars that I do here on earth. I won't have the reminders of the sin that I have committed. I won't be able to use my scars to tell my story. I shouldn't be ashamed of my scars. I shouldn't hide them like I do. I will never know when someone might see them and give me the opportunity to share my story. There is a quote that I always would repeat to myself when I was in high school and heavy struggling with cutting.
"I am useful to God not IN-SPITE of my scars, but because of them."
That quote has a whole new meaning to me now. I also realize that I don't need to hurt myself when I am full of sorrow, but I need to run to Him who has strength. Just thought I'd share this thought with others. I just feel so humbled and full of peace and hope right now. I KNOW now that there is a purpose for the pain. No matter how crappy life may seem, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
