Bumps, bruises & badges

I was in a heartfelt conversation with my cousin

the other day and we were discussing

how hard life is sometimes.

(typical)

Looking at another person's life

through our own vantage point is Satan's way of trying our faith.

And it works, nearly every time.

Except this one.

Our conversation took its typical route

but where it ended was different...

The Lord used this conversation we frequently have

(fueled by the evil one)

for His good.

We all have people in our life that always seem to land on their feet.

Receive their innermost prayer.

Have it all together.

And while the Lord may be the One to only know differently,

there are some whose life really isn't a struggle.

It *actually* is an easy life.

And while He doesn't want us to be jealous of these people,

He wants us to learn from them.

Through my quiet time, He pressed upon my heart

what a blessing struggles can be.

Certainly not while you're struggling,

but for who you become BECAUSE of the struggle.

Struggles are like a blister on the skin,

painful, raw and oozing.

But once that temporary pain 

and discomfort go away, what is left is a callus.

A toughened part of the skin that will serve as a shield 

from the elements in the future.

People who are callus-free

will not have a defense against another struggle.

He also impressed upon my heart about

how these calluses bear testimony.

I have this great vision of Heaven:

we are all huddled around each other comparing

our scars, wounds and calluses.

The Lord and His angels are right there with us 

explaining how each trial/bump/bruise/struggle worked for His glory!

They are no longer signs of pain, struggle and trials...

but badges worthy of rejoicing.

We will see how His plan was perfectly woven,

who came to know Jesus because of each trial

of our hearts and lives.

And we will meet them and praise the Lord beside them for all eternity.

What a party it will be!

People who are callus-free

will not have much of a party in Heaven.

Sure!  They'll be there, happy and in perfect peace.

Their party will just look different.

So, while it is Satan's lie to be envious

of those whose life is 'picture perfect' on the outside,

its time we wear our bumps and bruises

like badges of eternal glory.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And if you think you have struggles,

check out the book of Job in the Bible and see what trials

a *blessed man goes through - 

and what blessings come because he remained faithful.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for my struggles. 

I know that a life with trials, bumps and bruises 

are a part of living.

Thank you for this Christmas season

that we stop and celebrate 

the birth of your one and only son, 

sending Him to Earth as a living sacrifice

so that WE may live with you.

I will be in Heaven 

because of the struggle Jesus went through.

What a joy it will be to celebrate with Him: 

face to face for all eternity.

Amen.