Earlier this year I was asked to share my testimony of God redeeming me from hitting rock bottom in life. I was nervous about opening up and sharing what I went through because I don’t talk about it much. Our church played the video during each service on Easter. For the next several weeks I had person after person come up and thank me for being vulnerable enough to share. By opening up the scars in my life and making them visible, God was able to bring healing to some people, build faith in others and encourage even more. I had hidden the scars because of the pain and shame they represent in my life, but God uses those things to help others with their trust in Him.
In Luke 24, two men were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus when a third joined them. He asked why they were sad, and they explained that Jesus had been crucified. Then the other man explained how the Torah pointed to a suffering Messiah before revealing Himself as Jesus. He then disappeared and showed up in Jerusalem to meet with the disciples. In verses 39-40 Jesus said, “‘See my pierced hands and feet. See for yourselves, it is I, standing here alive. Touch me and know that my wounds are real. A spirit does not have a body of flesh and bone as you see that I have.’ Then he showed them his pierced hands and feet and let them touch his wounds” (TPT). When He did that, they believed and even Thomas got rid of his doubt.
What wounds have you been keeping hidden? As painful and embarrassing as they may be, they posses the power of freedom, healing and faith in them. By being vulnerable enough to share your scars with others, you let them see that it’s possible to survive what you went through. You show them that God can heal and bring redemption. Revelation 12:11 says we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Don’t let shame and fear keep you from allowing someone else to overcome the same things God brought you through. Your scars are powerful reminders of what God can do. Open them up and let someone touch your wounds. The more you do it, the less painful it is for you. In fact, it becomes empowering for you and others.
If you’d like to see the video of my testimony, click here.
Photo by Krzysztof Maksimiuk on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 
Thank you for your testimony Chris. Grerat word!
You’re welcome. Thanks.
Ever since I saw this, I’ve wanted to respond, Chris. I, too, have been to rock bottom–as I’ve told you before. I’ve shared my story publicly many times, and will continue to do so. Why? Because it’s not just my story; it’s God’s story too, because He brought me back from the brink and restored me. Most church folk can relate to my testimony, however a few have been incredulous: “You weren’t REALLY going to jump off a bridge, David. Were you?” Yes, I very well could have, if it weren’t for the grace of God. It never fails, however: those who have been to rock bottom and back can usually tell you the exact date of their low tide. Mine is August 11, 1998.
September 25, 2003.
The further down your rock bottom is, the greater the amount of God’s grace you will experience. Did you get to watch the video? I had shared my testimony on one of our virtual prayer gatherings. They then asked me to record it.
I love that you said it’s not just your story, it’s God’s story.
Yes, I watched the video. There were probably people at your church who said, “This happened to Chris?!” It’s a great example of what God can do when we stop striving on our own.
Exactly! Submission is key. That God still mends broken lives.