Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Once, on a risky jump down a ski slope, I ruptured major ligaments that connect the bones in the knee. I needed emergency surgery. Afterward, the doctor explained that scar tissue had developed from my initial trauma and then the further trauma of surgery. As my body attempted to heal itself, protective fibers grew around the injured ligaments. My range of motion, circulation, and even sensation in that leg were affected. Unless those protective fibers of scar tissue were broken down, I would never regain full range of motion; I might even have to wear a leg brace the rest of my life. The only way to break down the scar tissue would be an ongoing process of rehabilitation and an unrelenting commitment on my part.

The scar tissue in my knee is no different from the scar tissue that had closed off my heart. Years of haunting memories after abuse or an attack of any kind can last longer than the actual events. So many things can injure us, break our hearts and spirits and wound our souls, leaving our hearts overlaid with fibers of mistrust, bitterness, self-condemnation, guilt, and fear-all the things that keep us from stepping out, risking, moving ahead…We want God to fix us and heal us quickly and without pain. But the healing of our hearts takes time, hard work, and a strong commitment, just as physical healing does.

God promises us in Jeremiah 29 that all his plans for us are good. It is through his kindness, compassion and grace that we have a future and a hope. God has a great plan for your future no matter what you have been through or are going through.
(Taken with edits from Christine Caine’s devotional, No Quick Fixes.)

Today, let us turn to Jesus again, and acknowledge him and his loving relationship with us. Let us receive his costly comfort that gives us hope and a future, that breaks up scar tissues as we come to him because he has drawn near to us. Let’s pray for those who are hurting in our churches and outside of churches for God’s healing and definitive comfort in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVgPQm06g2c

-AP