The Scars of the Past

All scars have a story attached to them. Some are physical, and we can explain every detail of how they happened. Others are emotional and physiological, unseen, but just as real. “Scars explain where you’ve been. They don’t decide where you’re going.” - Anonymous When facing past scars, you have two paths. You can allow them to debilitate you, producing bitterness, numbness, or fear. Or you can allow God to transform you, accept His plan, serve in His purpose, and experience His peace. “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:18–19) Even in a chapter like Ezra 2, filled with names, we see that God is carefully and faithfully rebuilding His people and ensuring that what was broken is restored properly.