scars of victory

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.— Psalm 147:3 Our Scars Can Be Symbols of Strength and Victory by Anne Neilson, from Anne Neilson's Angels He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. — Psalm 147:3   We were well into a three-year process of building a new home for our family in the early 2000s — a process that challenged me and caused me to draw near to God in a new way. After crossing hurdles regarding whether to build or not, with drawing and pricing the plans, and with laying the foundation, we were eager to begin framing the house.   We continued seeking God's will in the process, and we pressed forward with construction. I was overjoyed to see the framing begin to shape our future home. Much to my dismay, when I visited our rapidly rising home, I found not-so-clean two-by-sixes and wood covered in knots — ugly wood that I argued surely couldn't build the strong house in which we were going to reside. I brought up my concerns with our builder. He simply told me...   "Anne, the more knots there are in the timber, the stronger the wood is."   Along this process of building our home, and anytime I sought control or began to give in to my doubt, the Lord would nudge me and say, "Come back to Me." I couldn't have heard the words He spoke to my heart more deeply in response to my builder's explanation. "The more knots are in our lives, the stronger we are." He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. — Psalm 147:3   We were well into a three-year process of building a new home for our family in the early 2000s — a process that challenged me and caused me to draw near to God in a new way. After crossing hurdles regarding whether to build or not, with drawing and pricing the plans, and with laying the foundation, we were eager to begin framing the house.   We continued seeking God's will in the process, and we pressed forward with construction. I was overjoyed to see the framing begin to shape our future home. Much to my dismay, when I visited our rapidly rising home, I found not-so-clean two-by-sixes and wood covered in knots — ugly wood that I argued surely couldn't build the strong house in which we were going to reside. I brought up my concerns with our builder. He simply told me...   "Anne, the more knots there are in the timber, the stronger the wood is."   Along this process of building our home, and anytime I sought control or began to give in to my doubt, the Lord would nudge me and say, "Come back to Me." I couldn't have heard the words He spoke to my heart more deeply in response to my builder's explanation. "The more knots are in our lives, the stronger we are."   I was reminded of every trial, every battle, and every victory that was a mark on my heart, creating a knot and strengthening my spirit. I was encouraged that the knotty beams holding our house upright were similar to the scars that Jesus used to mark me and hold my life upright.   Once I embraced the marred timber, we claimed it in the Lord's name, inscribing scripture on the framing. I was deeply moved when, as a final step to seal the inner framework of our home, our construction crew came in and covered the wood with white drywall, covering the marks with a clean slate, exactly the way Jesus covered my knots by hanging on the Cross. His blood that was shed was shed for me — all my knots, my sins, my scars. His covering was His righteousness, and what a beautiful picture is that!   The word scar isn't typically associated with something positive. However, I see things differently now, and I've come to value those places in my own life that show up as scars. How can you see some of your own scars as symbols of strength or victory?   Dear God, I know that You have allowed me to walk through fire for Your purpose. Help me not to hide my scars from those battles, but instead wear them with confidence so that all who see me will see Your glory and the victory You promised me. Excerpted with permission from Anne Neilson's Angels by Anne Neilson, copyright Anne Neilson Fine Art LLC. Your Turn   Those parts of our lives that are marred, damaged, scarred… that's where the Lord does His best work! Don't be afraid to have scars or to share them. They witness about God's goodness! Come share your thoughts with us on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily COMMENT Share this devotion with someone who needs it today. Does your heart and soul need encouragement, a new outlook and inspiration?     Save 30% off Anne Neilson's Angels   An exquisite 40-day devotional from beloved artist, writer, and philanthropist Anne Neilson LAUNCHING NATIONWIDE TOMORROW, 11/10   Hardcover, Regular: $24.99 Sale Price: $17.49 (30% off) eBook price: $12.99 + free U.S. shipping* on orders $30 or more SHOP NOW So thrilled for my dear friend @anne.neilson. Her new devotional/art book is as beautiful as she is! Inside and out!🙏🏻 ~ @KathieLGifford   Let Scripture, prayer, and the beauty of Anne Neilson's Angels nurture your soul.    This one-of-a-kind devotional offers: Reflections on poignant topics such as love, abundance, release, identity, and purpose. 40 inspirational devotions alongside 40 original angel paintings by Anne Neilson.   Known for painting with both passion and purpose, Anne donates a portion of her book proceeds to those experiencing homelessness and poverty in our world, ensuring that Anne Neilson's Angels will continue to give back for years to come.    This book makes a stunning gift for a friend or family member, whether as a birthday, anniversary, or Christmas gift, or as a unique housewarming present.   Learn More and Save   Get a sneak peak inside   What Others Are Saying "I have been a longtime fan of Anne's incredibly beautiful work. Her art transcends this earth and touches my soul. She is a true inspiration." — Maria Shriver   "A devotional book filled with radiant angels bringing hope and peace when we need it most. In these pages filled with Anne's beautiful art and words, you will find inspiration to live a more meaningful life." — Jenna Bush Hager SHOP NOW   *Sale prices valid through 11/30/2020, excluding eBooks.  eBooks purchases are fulfilled by our partner, Glose.  Free U.S. shipping on orders over $30 valid, excluding Alaska and Hawaii

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