Life ... this is war. We wish it weren't. We love vacations, margaritas, sunset beaches, and bonuses at work. We love the feeling of tranquility and peace. In fact we labor to great lengths at times to create a sense of peace, but the peace we inevitably create for ourselves is rendered ineffective (Jn 14:27, Mat 10:34). We have two options; to fight, or to ignore/surrender. Anyone who thinks otherwise, falls into the latter (Eph 2:1-2). For the former, the fighters, we fall into a different category. A category constituted with blood, victory, defeat, disappointment, joy ... but not ignorance. If you think this life is supposed to be easy, if you find yourself dismayed at the fact that you bear scars, if you find yourself disheartened at the struggle ... then remember we are at war. All our lives. It shall never stop. Ever. Oh, but how we long for it to stop. But it won't. Not on this side of life. No matter our efforts, it will not abate. No amount of comfort, money, power, pleasure, prestige, acclaim, or recognition shall ever stop the battle from raging on. The only thing that shall stop it, is death, or our surrender to the Foe that besieges the battle (Rev 12:12, 17). May our properly aligned expectations, enable us to fight valiantly ... and not be surprised when we find ourselves bloodied and entrenched in the middle of a battle field ...
Hast thou no scar? Amy Carmichael Hast thou no scar? No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand? I hear thee sung as mighty in the land, I hear them hail thy bright ascendant star, Hast thou no scar? Hast thou no wound? Yet, I was wounded by the archers, spent. Leaned me against the tree to die, and rent By ravening beasts that compassed me, I swooned: Hast thou no wound? No wound? No scar? Yet as the Master shall the servant be, And pierced are the feet that follow Me; But thine are whole. Can he have followed far Who has no wound nor scar?