August, 2026

GOLDEN SCARS

Vacation Bible School 2026 is over, and once more, it was a time of learning, fellowship, and community. Special thanks go to VBS Director, Abby Matschke along with all the teachers, helpers, and students for helping to make it a wonderful week.

I was privileged to teach the adult class, and I am especially thankful to my ‘students’ who attended. Our nightly lessons varied in subject, but one that stood out for me was the lesson on the wilderness theme in Scripture. Time after time major figures of the Bible spent time in the wilderness, a place of hardship, temptation, and testing. Their time in the wilderness marked them with scars, both physical, emotional, and spiritual. As it is with the physical scars we carry on our bodies that tell a story of a reckless decision or an accident, all scars tell a story about our ability to endure, adapt, and grow.

From every wound there is a scar, and every scar tells a story. A story that says, ‘I survived.’ A scar that reminds us that through it all, we were never alone. The Lord walked with us, every step of the way. Yet we will still be tempted in the wilderness. We will be tempted to give up – but remember what Paul told the Corinthians: “No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.” (I Cor. 10:13)

We will be tempted to say it is too hard; God must be trying to harm us! But then remember what Joseph said when he revealed himself to his brothers, the very ones that had sold him into slavery and hardship. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)

So be proud of your scars! Never worry about the scars that you have; they are beautiful reminders of your past. Especially embrace the scars that reveal your faith journey with Christ. The ones that show your faith in Christ. The scars that remind you that God has been with you. The scars that reveal you have been delivered, set free and healed.

Scars are not just scars, but moments trapped in time forever. The wilderness seasons of our lives are not moments to avoid, but times when we are transformed and become something new – refined and sanctified for service to Christ.

Peace ~ Pastor Richard
August, 2026