I’ve been accumulating scars lately.
Some you can see. Others you can’t.
I know you have scars too.
Some of mine were etched on my heart this summer as my loved ones, including my daughter, battled cancer. Another one was carved in my arm when I went in for a routine checkup, and they found melanoma on my shoulder. It was a little freckle. I thought the surgery would be minimal too.
It wasn’t.
I’m so sorry to show this to you. I tried to make it prettier — you know, filters an all, but it’s still gross. It’s what it looks like when someone cuts four inches out of your shoulder and then pulls it back together. I remember thinking during the surgery, “Why my shoulder?” There are other parts of me that could have used a 4-inch reduction.
When I went to get my stitches removed, the doctor stopped and stared at my face. “I think there’s something on your lip,” he said.
He put a needle.in.my.lip. Two of them, to be exact, and took a biopsy.
Side note –> I decided right then and there I never wanted botox. Needles in the face aren’t worth it. I’ll take my wrinkles, thank you very much. But I digress. . .
So, the biopsy came back cancerous too. I’m currently meeting with surgeons and plastic surgeons — because they plan to do put more needles in my face in a few weeks and take away a bit of my lip in the process.
For a moment I wanted to shake my fist. Not at God, but at the enemy of my soul. He’s sneaky. I thought we were on the other side of the battle, and he decided to hit me one more time.
Maybe you feel scarred right now.
Maybe those scars are visible, and maybe they are deep inside where no one can see. John 10:10 says that the enemy seeks to steal (our wellbeing), kill (our spirit), and destroy (our faith in God), but there’s a second half of that verse that makes this Jesus-loving woman want to shout.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 (ESV)
No matter how wounded we feel, how deeply scarred we are, Jesus came so that we could have an abundant life.
Not filled with stuff.
Not trouble free.
Not without scars.
Instead, we are filled from the inside out. Jesus walked through suffering and He walks through scar-inducing places and situations with us. We walk out the other side, a little battered, a little bruised, but overflowing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
An abundant life is a life empowered by the indwelling of Jesus Christ.
So, I continue on in this harder season. Many of you are right there with me. Some of your houses are 6 feet deep in water right now because of a hurricane. Others have watched their home and everything they own go up in flames. Maybe you feel wounded by a past relationship, or a current one.
I don’t know about you, but I’m going to live in the abundance Jesus promises.
[bctt tweet=”My life is marked by Him, rather than defined by my scars. https://wp.me/p4jbdw-4ic #ComeWithMeDevo #livingfreetogether” username=”suzanneeller”]
An empowered life. A life overflowing with His presence. A life marked by Him, rather than defined by my scars. I love my Savior and I’ve been rescued by Him. If I have to walk around with scars on my heart, on my body, and even on my face, they will never match the scars received by Jesus on my behalf.
I’m choosing the promise of John 10:10 over the empty threat of an enemy who doesn’t realize that scars and wounds can’t touch my soul.
In a month or so, I’m having surgery. More needles. More stitches. I don’t know what to expect, but I do know this. My scars don’t leave me broken, but become a testimony of God’s goodness.
I’ll pray for you. You pray for me.
We’ll keep doing what God has asked us to do, scarred or not. We’ll throw our hands in the air and count every good thing that is around us, and inside of us, and we’ll stand together as we live an abundant life (a life defined by him, rather than our scars) together.
Suzie
Related resource
Come With Me: 31 Prayers for the Journey – Maybe you struggle to know how to pray. I’ve been there too.
This $1.99 E-book offers 31 prayers I’ve prayed through my own “Come With Me” journey.
They are gut honest and raw, and filled with trust and faith and joy.
They are for you, or a friend who is following Jesus, and longs for the words to express what is on their heart.
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Praying for you…I, too, have had basal cell carcinoma on my face…God is good, all the time…He reminded me that the only scars in heaven will be His. Many blessings to you ❤️
Praying for you. I have been on that journey too. Life throwing something at you that was not part of your plan. It is funny how it goes in circles and when you overcome it something comes back. Lord I pray proverbs 3:5 for my sister. We trust you Lord that you have a plan.
Oh Suzie, not again! True the devil can not win. Either way God is winning, scars & all. Be strong & courageous -Joshua 1;9
Suzie,
Praying for you this morning. Thank you for your transparency and vulnerability – this is how we as the body do life together. Loving each other – carrying each other – encouraging each other.
Suzie, I have prayed for you this morning and echo Julia’s sentiments above about your bravery and openness.
Suzie,
You are Strong, you are courageous for greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world.
We are not fighting for Victory but from a place of Victory!
Keep winning sis! Love you.
Wow Susie your amazing!! You move me everyday!! We are not defined by our scars!! God is moving to heal all the devil is trying to destroy. We will not be shaken because we have overcome by the blood of the lamb!!! Thank you Jesus and by his stripes you are healed!! By the way my beautiful friend blessed me with your new devotion book I’m so excited!! I love opening my emails and Facebook and seeing your stuff God moves through you baby!! Love you sister
I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2001. I’ve had over 100 surgeries to date. But by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, I am still here! The scars do not define you, no matter where they are or how many there are. I have always said that my scars just prove that I am stronger than what tried to hurt me. And my strength came from Him. I will keep you in my prayers!
Suzie I love your honesty and your heart. You are a amazing and strong woman who lives her life for Christ. Thank you for sharing. I am and will be praying for you sweet lady. Love you.
Keep the book of the law on our lips day and night and meditate on it and we will be successful and prosperous. That’s what God says in Joshua 1:8. We need to trust him for what he says and thank him for what he does. He has this Suzie, just like he has had everything else in your life. Thank you for being an open book and sharing. Praying for you.
Suzie, I’m praying for you and sending buckets of love and hope your way.
I’m so sorry to hear you have this ahead of you. It’s one thing to talk or write about sufferings and trials, but the many aspects and realities of living in and through them and keeping out eyes on the Lord is a very different ball game. Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us and inviting us to walk with you. My husband had melanoma on a cheek and had surgery a few years ago and every year when he gets checked we hope we don’t see anything come back. Praying for you in the midst and trusting the Lord to make His presence known in unexpected ways that buoys your heart, mind, and spirit.
It seems as if everyone I know is experiencing some form of cancer these days — along with the carving up and the laying down of prayers and hopes. Thank you for being so open about your own scars. We long for the day when healing will be the norm and all the many forms that our groaning takes on this planet will be just a glorious memory — because we’ll see clearly what God had planned in it all along.
Wow. You are strong. I am in the midst of debilitating panic attacks caused by medication withdrawal and plain old menopausal hormone wackiness.. I’ve never felt so weak. How would I ever manage what you are dealing with? Right now it is taking God’s strength to get thru each moment and technically there is nothing life-threatening even happening to me! May God restore you to full health so that you can continue to teach and inspire!
You’ll be wrapped in my prayers, Sue! The Lord understands and cares for all we go through – not big or small, but ALL. 1 Peter 5:7 He cares for you. And He hears you. ~ Heavenly Father, remind Sue of your unfailing love for her. May she be wrapped by the peace and strength of your presence. Give her body rest, and her mind clarity. And help her to know without doubt that nothing is too small, or too great to bring to your throne. You care for all our needs and will provide a way through everything. In the name of Jesus, Amen.” xoxoxo Blessings to you today, Rebecca
Praying, even though it is scary it shows much braver and encouragement. Thank you for that!
Stay strong Suzie – God is with you 🙂
I’m praying all goes well and you get a good report when you go for the surgery. You are in the right place mentally and spiritually and no doubt there are moments when your emotions boil up but God is there to comfort you. God bless you with overwhelming peace and joy in this season.
Suzie,
I purchased “Come with me” last night and can’t wait to get started on it. I have a rather large “battle wound” from a radical hysterectomy that I had to have because of cancer before I was 40. Like you and so many others, I am a survivor. But more than that, a warrior! It was a battle and God was victorious! It not only grew my faith, but also my children’s faith and those around me. One of the things I told myself and my family was that God had prepared me to walk thru this and no matter what, I would continue to love Him, serve Him and believe in Him and His goodness. That was 18 years ago.
To God be the glory!
Lanna Fields
Suzie! I am praying for you dear. You need not apologize for sharing the photo. It is good to see the real and raw. I can’t imagine what you felt with needle in lip — I think I would have fainted. God is with you and I am praying for strength as you lean into HIM through all this. Praying support surrounds you and that you feel HIS presence in every day!
Praying your His Spirit in you touch, speak to, and shine to those you will meet on your journey. I often wonder just which heart is “the one” God wanted me to encourage in times like the one you find yourself. Suzie, God certainly speaks through you, which draws enemy fire. Thank you for allowing Him to keep you steadfast in your faith in Him. I know how hard this can be. Thank you for a wonderful reflection and life application!
I’ll be praying for you, Suzie. May God’s hand of grace cover you. May His love surround you.
I’ll be praying for you, Suzie. May God’s hand of grace cover you. May His love surround you. Healing power, pleas Lord.
Suzie,
You bet I will be praying for you and all the people you will reach during this journey. I have no doubt God will use you and Satan won’t get you. I am so sorry it sounds awful. I don’t like needles either and I can’t imagine them coming at my face.
Suzie, you are brave to share this on your blog. I am honored to serve on your prayer team, and you have been (and will be) in my prayers often as you fight this battle. Blessings and God’s peace to you today, friend.
What a beautiful battle cry this post is for ALL OF US! Thank you, Suzie! I continue to watch your transparency and faith in amazement; thank you for sharing your life with us and giving us the honor of praying for you. Going to battle for you and my sisters all over the world today. We are scarred, but we are strong! YES & AMEN!
Praying for you. Scarred but not scared. Our God is big!
Last night my tongue fidgeted with a tiny, hard nodule that’s developed underneath the inside of my bottom lip. I first noticed it weeks ago when I accidentally bit down on it with the full force of my mid-chew. Ouch!! My mind raced with questions and fears. Do I tell my husband, or keep it in so I don’t cause him unnecessary worry? Could it be cancerous (after all, they just found cancer on my nose for goodness’ sake)? And finally, my mind rested not on questions and fear, but truth and peace. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)” Yes, that’s where I will CHOOSE to focus my thoughts. Sometimes it’s a moment-by-moment choice, as the worry tries to creep in. But by focusing on the strength of Christ, I’m able to stop trying to strive for enough strength to face these things alone. I’m not alone. You’re not alone. Ever. You know you’re in my prayers. And this too shall pass . . . . xoxoxo
We should get T-shirts, Rebecca. <3 Praying for you!
Praying for you…thank you for being honest and allowing God to use you to encourage us! We sisters need each other.
Healing grace with an abundance of faith, hope and love…because of Jesus♥️
Praying for you and with you Suzie. So very thankful our scars do not define us for our God is bigger than any scar we have endured, visible or not. Holding you close in prayer and thought as you walk this journey. Hugs my friend.❤️
Love you, friend. Your heart for Jesus is so beautiful. I keep you wrapped in my prayers and in my thoughts. How you inspire and how you lead with light makes me fall more in love with our Maker. God bless you. xx
Praying for you dear friend!
Praying for you dear friend!
Hello lovely lady…. I’ve read your posts for years and you’ve always had a special place in my heart. I love your transparency. I’m praying for you and everyone else who is walking through the valley of a cancer diagnosis. Our God is good..always and in all ways, no matter what our circumstances look like. His love is from everlasting to everlasting and that is what I rely on to carry me through… Love and big hugs from me to you.
Oh Suzie…my heart knows your pain, fear, angst…and you remind me of the love of Jesus that I felt when faced with all of that. You have just made me proud of my scars – they are the medals of the battles fought, and of the war that Jesus has already won.
You are an amazing lady. Thank you for sharing your soul!!
I will be praying for you, Suzie.
Suzie,
Here’s what I know – you already proclaim the glory of the Lord not the gory details of the enemy. Praise God. Praise God for you precious woman. I can’t imagine where you are yet I know Who you turn to is faithful.
Hugs from my heart. Lord we praise You for Gour healing touch on Suzie. She leads so many directly TO YOU. And I’m grateful to know her, Your daughter.
Suzie~when I think of you, I think of God’s tender mercies, love, and provisions. You continue to teach each of us what it looks like to lean into God, even when the waves of illness keep washing over you. They may knock you down, but you get right back up with His Holy Spirit power of fight. I pray for you, your family, and your ministry. Thank you for your example of the “yes” in our Savior.
I will be praying for you as I am for others walking this road. I have been so blessed by your posts. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Sister, your display of God’s power and peace in the midst of a storm is balm for my soul! Love you, XOXO
Suzie. I’m so sorry to hear this news. You prayed for my family back in 2010 as I said goodbye to my mother. (Your included a photo of her hand holding my grandson’s hand in your post.) Now I’m praying for you as you walk out the abundant life. Blessings! Hugs!
Praying for you Suzie, and for every woman here who is struggling. I am so thankful he did not leave us alone but we have the Holy Spirit and one another. Thank you for your beautiful, bold transparent heart my friend. Love you!
All I can say is,”WOW!” Your strength amazes me. But not nearly as much as God’s love amazes me. Thank you for being a reflection of that love! I will be continually lifting you up as God grants you mercy, strength and joy. May your story encourage others as it has encouraged me. As I look around this world, Satan would have me focus on the storms, destruction, and seeming defeat; but I choose to focus on Him and the abundance of His love, grace and mercy. Thank you so much for this reminder!
Thank you for this beautiful post. I am sorry you are going through this and I will lift you up in prayer. God bless you.
You and your family continue to be in my prayers. May the Lord hold you so close, and give you the strength that you need, as you walk out your faith with Him, and with all of us! Thank you for always being so open and transparent. May He bless you today!
Praying for you. You’re right where Jesus wants you–at the foot of His throne.
Suzie, I’m praying for you so specifically over this. Oh how the enemy loves to kick is while we’re down and yet God only ever had so much for you. Praying for you friend, whether you feel warrior-like or weary right now. Oh how he loves you.
Praying for you sweet friend.
Susie, thank you for this! Our daughter had a melanoma removed earlier this year. I’m praying for you! Blessings and hugs!
Praying for you and believing for complete healing!
So sorry you continue to have to battle this, Suzie! Praying for you. Thank you for this message of victory in Jesus!
Praying for you Suzie and lifting you and all on this post for We are the children of the 1 true King! And He stands in the gap with us and loves us with an everlasting love. My your heart be filled with His peace and assurance. Love you my sister!
Thank you for this beautifully powerful testimony Suzie! I’m saying a prayer for you now! God Bless! ❤🙏
Susaneller I’m so sorry for what you have gone through and will go through but rejoice in your fellowship and witness with our Lord Jesus Christ. To go with Him with your scars and praise Him, what a powerful message and witness that is. I can certainly serve Him and witness for Him with my scars in life because without Him I would never be able to survive.
I’m so good, friends. The heart of this message was that we all have scars and yet our faith marks us greater!
I am so encouraged by your heart of faith in living in the abundance of Jesus Christ. I’ve learned a lot from you and have been so encouraged by your words.even when am going through something different. God bless you big and heal you.Amen
Thank you, Sheila.
Thanks for sharing Suzie. I am just reading this today and so need this encouragement. Just had a blood test and the numbers came back worse than I hoped for, although I am not completely surprised. I’ve known my bp was high lately, I can feel it. My lip has something on it too and I’ve been afraid of needles in my face too, but know I need to have it checked out. So much work to do on my health, I’m overwhelmed. My brother texted the other morning, he is in so much pain he cannot really work and has no money for a doctor. My mother’s cancer is back and the treatment doesn’t appear to be working, we will find out more tomorrow. My husband lost his job again two weeks ago, although he does have another one as long as all the testing comes back okay. Plus work is extremely busy, working long hours, overwhelmed. I could just sit and cry. But I won’t.
I told God this morning that I can do all things through Him, He gives me strength and so I will continue on, one thing at a time, one foot in front of the other. Thanks again for the encouragement this morning. I will also cling to the promise in John 10:10. Praying for healing from the scars the needles bring. I appreciate you!
Thank you for sharing your courageous faith it encouraged me so in what seems like a hopeless relationship, but your faith, stength, courage stengthened me to put feet to my faith everyday otherwise i dont receive life abudantly – thank you!
Suzie, so sorry to hear that you’re faced with this new battle. Love your heart of faith and trust and your commitment to keep living the abundant life we have in Jesus. Will be praying for you. God bless!