How to Give God Glory with Your Flaws and Scars

12 / 2 / 1912 / 1 / 19

How God taught me a lesson through my chipped candle holder that He is able to shine through our lives even though we have flaws and scars. #God'sStrength #BibleVerses #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Have you ever had good intentions turn into regret?

It can happen in all kinds of ways…

Your words were misunderstood.
Actions misinterpreted.
Or simply an accident you can’t undo.

I’ve experienced all of the above but most recently it was the last one that the Lord used to teach me a lesson.

It all started the morning I decided to put up our Christmas decorations. I gathered the fall stuff up and boxed it away.

But before I carried the Christmas boxes upstairs, I decided to clean some of our year-round items … things I dust often but only “clean” occasionally.

And that’s the reason why I took a close look at this large glass candle holder that sits in a featured spot on our kitchen island. I bought it specifically for this house and that space.

I love it!

As I took a closer look, I realized it was covered with fingerprints and remnants of seasonal “dust” – so, I decided to carry it over to the sink and give it a good scrubbing.

Did I mention that it’s large?

Well, it’s heavy, too!

Once I added water and soap, it was awkward, slippery, and hard to handle.

And that’s when the rim bumped the edge of the counter. I heard a crack and a clink. The sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach was confirmed by the chip of glass that glistened up from the bottom of the sink.

After the initial “OH NO!” I ran and grabbed some super-glue hoping a little magic would make it as good as new.

But I was wrong. Although the chip fit the space perfectly and the glue held tight … the scarred edges were still unpleasantly noticeable.

As the day went on, I checked out the flaw every time I walked by the counter. All I could think about was that it was no longer unblemished. I considered replacing it with a new and “perfect” duplicate.

And I continued to do some serious self-loathing because I hadn’t been more careful.

I thought about it as I went to sleep and it was on my mind when I woke up the next morning.

But by God’s grace, He replaced the negative thoughts from the day before with something new…

“In this sinful world you will receive bumps and bruises. Some will even leave you wounded and scarred. But I want you to remember every time you see the flaw on this candle holder … that the light still shines even though it’s damaged.

And in the same way … you can shine the light of my love even with your flaws and scars.“

How to Give God Glory with Your Flaws and Scars

Of all the miserable things that can happen in this life … my damaged decor item falls way down on the list of things that are upsetting. I’ve experienced worse in the past and I’m sure you have too.

And yet, I love how the Lord used this one to not only remind me of an important lesson for today. He gave me a lasting reminder for the future.

A reminder to shine His love for His glory even though I will never do it flawlessly…

Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:16

Friends, our flaws and scars do not disqualify us. In fact, it might possibly be those very things that help us shine the Lord’s light in unique and personal ways. It may be that…

The scar of betrayal enables us to love the person who is in pain after being betrayed.
The scar of repentance that led to forgiveness reminds us that the Lord wants us to forgive others.
The scar of former fear helps us love the person who is experiencing fear right now.
The scar of having walked in grief strengthens us to walk with someone who is grieving.
The scars of worry, guilt, shame, rejection, and loneliness … help us love hurting people in a broken world.

God can help us use our flaws and scars to love the people around us who are struggling and in pain.

Not on our own.

Well, at least not on my own…

But with God’s grace.

In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.All power to Him forever! Amen.
1 Peter 5:10–11

I have to admit that I struggle to stay on that “firm foundation.” I need God’s help which is why I’m so thankful He gave me this tangible reminder.

I’m also thankful for Paul’s honesty in writing about his struggle. I’m glad we don’t know the actual source of his “thorn in the flesh.”

Some think it was a physical ailment, others wonder about an ongoing disability. Some question whether it was the result of persecution and the problems he endured.

I’ve even wondered if it might not be the continuous taunting of the enemy attacking Paul’s heart and mind for persecuting Jesus’ followers before the Lord reached out to him on the road to Damascus.

Whatever it was, God wanted you and me to be able to see ourselves in Paul’s tri-fold plea for deliverance and hold tight to His loving response…

God said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

And God’s grace is enough. It’s all we need.

God’s grace is enough for us to shine the light and love of Jesus to a broken and hurting world. Enough for us to use our scars to remember that everyone is wounded … everyone needs to know His grace, mercy, and love.

His grace is enough to give us everything we need to glorify Him … even with our flaws and scars.

After writing words of God’s promise to give him all-sufficient grace, Paul said…

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
2 Corinthians 12:10 (MSG)

Paul didn’t deny or ignore the flaws and scars, he invited God to use them to make him stronger … to help him. He wrote in his letter to the Ephesians…

Once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
Ephesians 5:8–9

You know, a funny thing happened as I looked closely at my flawed candle holder…

I saw light shining right through the middle of the chipped glass.

And I realized I really am thankful for this daily reminder of God’s sufficient grace, mercy, and love.

Whatever happens … the things I do that cause me pain, the things done by others or the problems I experience because the world is broken by sin, the Lord is able to give me everything I need to shine the light of His love.

And He’s able to give you everything you need too!

By His grace may we shine His light for His glory through our flaws and scars!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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5 Prayers that Thank God for His Amazing Grace

12 / 1 / 1711 / 30 / 17

I can’t say it’s necessarily the way I was taught as a child … it just seemed to evolve over time.

I knew God had fully taken care of my salvation through Jesus sacrifice and that through faith in His amazing gift my eternal future was secure…

But my here and now — that was influenced by God’s favor given in response to my behavior.

I had childish faith!

Faith that believed God loved me more when I was “good” and less when I wasn’t.

Which is one of the reasons why I love the following quotes so much:

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not!” ~ C. S. Lewis

“The sin underneath all our sins is to trust the lie of the serpent that we cannot trust the love and grace of Christ and must take matters into our own hands” ~ Martin Luther

It took a lot of bumps in the road that send me deep into His Word before I finally believed I could completely trust God’s awesome amazing grace and love! Grace that covers my past and yours. Grace that forgives without any help from you or me. Grace that is undeserved and simply to be received with gratitude and joy.

It’s grace that changes our behavior, not our behavior that gains grace.

So, I’m hoping you’ll join me as I turn to God’s Word for a daily dose of grace — praying and praising Him for this awesome and amazing gift.

5 Prayers that Thank God for His Amazing Grace

Ephesians 2:8–9

God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Father, thank you for Jesus, Your perfect gift of grace. I know my eternal future is secure because all You have done for me through Jesus. You have made me yours forever. Nothing can remove me from Your hand. (John 10:29) I am safe and secure in Your unchanging love. How can I begin to thank You?! With my life. I give You my all. I love You, Lord. Amen.

Romans 6:13b–14

So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

Father, how I have struggled to understand the freedom You give. Forgive me for believing I live under the Law’s requirements. Thank you for Your patience in teaching me Your truth. When my heart and mind are set on You — when I am fully surrendered and living for Your glory, then and only then can I know true freedom. By the power of Your Spirit help me keep me surrendered and grateful … and fully alive to serve and glorify You. Amen.

Hebrews 4:16

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Father, it overwhelms me that You want me to enter throne room in prayer. It is in that holy place where I have learned to “be still and know You.” (Psalm 46:10) It is there I have found Your mercy that forgives my foolish selfishness and Your grace that saves me. Thank you for Jesus, our example … who understands who I am, loves me, and helps me. Amen.

Romans 5:6

And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For, in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.

Father, You are kind and good. It is impossible for anyone to deserve what Jesus has done. Your grace is free, undeserved, and unconditional. There is nothing I can ever do to repay You for all You’ve done and all You continue to do in my life. I am saved by Your grace alone and in humble response I humbly thank you and offer myself to You. With Your Spirit’s help, may I live this day for Your glory. Amen.

2 Corinthians 13:14

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Father, Jesus is Your grace with flesh on. He revealed your love to us and Your Spirit reveals Your mercy, grace, and love in countless ways every day. Thank you for Your presence in my life. Your grace is truly amazing! In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Make an intentional effort as you go throughout the day to stop and celebrate God’s amazing gift of grace. Praise Him for the fact that there is nothing you can do to earn or deserve it.

God gives His grace simply because He loves you that much.

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

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I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

When Fear and Worry Steal Your Joy

by and @ Latoya Edwards

Understanding the Role of the Holy Spirit as Our Helper

by Chizobam Idahosa

@ Beautiful in Jesus

When You’re A Low-Energy, Easily Tired Wife and Mother

by Sarah Behan

@ The Wholehearted Home

Thank you, Latoya, Chizobam, and Sarah for partying with us!

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

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I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Best Help For The Days You Don’t Feel Lovable

4 / 17 / 152 / 22 / 16

Some days I don’t feel very lovable.

Truthfully, most days I don’t feel very lovable.

I look at my failures and weaknesses . . . my foolish emotions and misunderstandings, my lack of patience and persistent procrastination just to name a few.

I’m a mess. You too?

This week we’ve talked about God’s perfect constant love that covers our messes, our scars, failures, and disappointments. Even though I know the truth of God’s love, I still have days that end with me brooding over the negatives of me.

My goal moving forward is to replace those negative me thoughts with this important truth . . . It’s not about me.

It’s about Him. It’s always about Him. God’s grace and mercy in and through Jesus giving us new life and a hope that will last forever. It’s always about the gift of Jesus!

Jesus is God’s grace in person.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:4

[Tweet ““Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues.” ~ John R. W. Stott”]

You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by His poverty He could make you rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. Ephesians 2:4

Grace – God giving us what we don’t deserve.

Mercy – God not giving us what we do deserve.

God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, He’s rich in love.
He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever.
He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is His love to those who fear Him.
And as far as sunrise is from sunset, He has separated us from our sins.
As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear Him. Psalm 103:8-13 (MSG)

“We sinned for no reason but an incomprehensible lack of love, and He saved us for no reason but an incomprehensible excess of love.” ~ Peter Kreeft

God’s answer to your mess and mine is always Jesus. Incomprehensible excessive love!

God’s Love

For the Days You Don’t Feel Lovable

Beauty
Jana Kennedy-Spicer writes at Sweet to the Soul.

She says in her testimony, “God took the worst thing
that happened to my family, rescued and repaired us,
and turned it into a testimony and ministry.”

Take a few minutes to read her post –
The Whole of My Anxiety.
It’s time to clean out and unpack those hurt feelings
and give them all to God.

Inspiration2 Jennifer is The Intentional Mom –
Choosing to Find the Fullness of Life in the Every Day Bustle of Life

She tells her readers, “Maybe it is because I love growing, changing,
and learning new things that intentional living
has become such a passion of mine.”

Her post – How to Help a Friend Who is Hurting
is full of good advice and helpful suggestions.
Make sure to go over and say hello.

Motivation2 Dawn Klinge asks a great question at Above the Waves.

She says, “We can’t trust in God on our own.
To our sinful hearts, it doesn’t make sense, but we can ask the
Holy Spirit to give us the desire to know who God is,
and for eyes to see why He is trustworthy.”

Her post, “Are We Overvalued by God?” blessed me.
I loved this sentence, “There is something true, good, and beautiful
in all of us – not because of who we are, but because of who God is.”

Top Pic 2

This week’s top pic is from Meredith Bernard.

Make sure you go over and see the beauty
she captures through her lens.
She writes beautiful words too.

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Photo Credit

The Confession That Saved My Life

3 / 11 / 159 / 13 / 15

I am so excited to welcome Patti Krank from Old Things New as my guest today. Patti says that she has been . . . Transformed from broken to beautiful. She loves to point people to the transforming power of Jesus and rescuing old pieces of furniture and giving them new life.

What a beautiful analogy our lives in Christ. Please make her feel welcome. I know her story will bless and encourage you. Don’t forget to visit her site to read more posts and see her beautiful furniture transformations.

The Confession That Saved My Life

If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9

“Are you pregnant?”, she asked.

“I think so,” I answered fearfully.