Has 2020 left you scarred emotionally, physically, or spiritually? I hope so. (You’ll read why further down the post.) The past year catapulted most of us out of old routines and into unwelcome new ones. The shoulders of many slump under the weight of painful events in our land. I find myself sighing at times, wondering what the future holds. This holiday season, usually a welcome distraction from negative world news, can’t overcome the sheer weight of insecurity most feel. If you have experienced any of this, let me offer some perspective from God’s word that has helped me.
The author of Hebrews says: “For the moment, all discipline seems not to be pleasant, but painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11). This verse indicates that God works in our trying circumstances, disciplining His children for good. The key is to let it train us.
COVID-19 has produced a world-wide experience of such training for believers simultaneously. Some have experienced it through sickness and grief, some through economic challenges. If we are trained in the way God intends, it will result in greater righteousness for His people- a righteousness exhibited by peace and fruitfulness. This is a unique opportunity for His Church, if we seize it! We can be a witness for Christ by exhibiting this peaceful spirit while the world experiences frantic insecurity and anger and fear.
It is also our opportunity to share suffering with others, something generally unfamiliar to the modern North American Church, but which has been a hallmark of faithful believers through the centuries. Amy Carmichael, great missionary to India, once shared through a poem called “Hast Thou No Scar?” how faithfully following Jesus will always scar us. We should anticipate it.
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 a tree to die; and rent By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned. Hast thou no wound? No wound? No scar? Yet, as teh Master shall the servant be, And piercèd are the feet that follow Me. But thine are whole; can he have followed far Who hast no wound or scar?
If 2020 has left you scarred, rejoice. If you are trained by it, you have something to show for your faithfulness! We need to encourage each other to keep growing as we take advantage of God’s discipline and training regimen. Ask Him to remove anything that distracts you from setting your eyes on the Author and Perfecter of your faith. Offload the hindrances to your life and ministry so you can run the race set before you with greater success (Heb. 12:1-2).
This is a main purpose God has in allowing the scars inflicted by 2020. He is disciplining and purifying His Church. If we respond with faith to His training, our witness will gain a new and powerful vibe – one which the Church desperately needs to reach this generation.
Rev. Mark Barnard is an ordained minister with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He currently serves with Blessing Point Ministries. Mark is the author of The Path of Revival – Restoring Our Nation – One Church at a Time.