What Happened There?

The first week after my husband’s hand surgery, I suggested he remove the bandage to let his hand “breathe” and heal faster. But the doctor’s instructions were, “Leave the bandage on for two weeks and keep the incision lubricated with petroleum jelly, and you will have minimal or no scarring.” I had my doubts. She said if the wound dried too quickly, the scab formed would cause a mark on the skin. When he came home from having the eight sutures removed, the one-inch incision was barely noticeable, just as the doctor said. The lubricated wound healed from the inside out. I applaud this dermatologist who is not specialized in reconstructive surgery but knows the technique to keep scarring at bay.

I have multiple noticeable scars from childhood into my senior years; I have a fresh one from a few days ago when the oven door caught my forearm, where it joined several others. When someone sees the scars on my arms, knees, or hands and asks what happened, I can usually tell them the story behind each one. The marks are reminders. Some experiences taught me to be more careful in what I do, and some to help others avoid making the same mistakes.

All too often, when someone or something wounds our hearts, we want to cover the hurt, hoping it will go away over time. But wounded hearts need airing for healing, exposure to our heavenly Father, or a trusted friend who brings us before God’s throne for recovery. God heals from the inside out. We’re not to dwell on or harbor hurtful past experiences but learn from them. The Great Physician uses reminders of His healing and deliverance—where He brought us from to where we are now—to minister to others in need:

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus! Our merciful and gracious Father is comfort’s source for all our needs and every hurt. He comforts us (comes alongside) in all our troubles; we learn from Him how to walk alongside others when they are troubled, using the same compassion, encouragement, and help God gave us. The more we suffer for Christ, the greater God abundantly pours His grace and comfort out on us. (2 Corinthians 1:3–5)