DAY 19
Devotional by Terah Byrd
So let’s talk about those stretch marks shall we? You know the ones! Those marks you have that you are totally embarrassed to show off to anyone. When you hear the word stretch mark what comes to your mind first? Probably a sinking feeling and then thoughts of what is the latest and greatest cream I can go out and buy to get rid of them because lets face it, we all have some sort of feeling about them.
Some women have stretch marks from when they were pregnant. Some have them from maybe that time in their life they gained more weight than they wanted but found the strength and courage to become healthier. For some, they don’t care that they have stretch marks and have no idea how they showed up, but then for others it becomes a constant reminder that they are not perfect because how could they be with an ugly mark like this on their body.
Well, I want you to know, stretch marks are BEAUTIFUL! In fact, they may be one of the most beautiful things a woman can wear on her body. Stretch marks on a new mama show the world that she nurtured and carried a living being inside of her and brought new life into the world! Stretch marks show a woman, no matter how she got them that she went through some tough seasons in her life, some may have been her own decisions, others might not have been in her control, but she’s here, she’s thriving and she was victorious!
You see, we all have our own type of “stretch marks” in life. The circumstances and storms that we never asked for and because of those things we now have this residue on us that we don’t like much. Paul had his own type of stretch mark in 2 Corinthians 12:10 TPT, he had this thorn, this thing he felt so deeply and carried with him and no matter what he was constantly reminded of it. But wow, do I love his response! He says, “So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.”
Can I tell you, I have learned that in those pressing moments where maybe something has pressed or cut so deeply to the point of leaving a mark, I have learned to embrace it! Yes embrace it girlfriend! Whatever may have happened to you might have taken you out for a moment, but it doesn’t mean its the end! God brought you through it or is bringing you through something and He needs that “stretch mark” on you because thats how people are going to see how good God is! God is going to use those parts of us that are ugly and unwanted to reach other women, men and children who feel the same way! He is going to use every part of us stretch marks and all!
I want to encourage you friend, that if you are in that season of pressing where everything feels like its weighing on you, can I just say get ready for God to use you in a BIG way! There’s more on the other side for you, I know it may not feel like it now, but God is bringing you through something and although it may leave a mark for a season, its not going to take you out of the game! That stretch mark is going to be the platform from which you will be able to come alongside others and one day encourage them, letting them know, yes, I’ve been there, but I didn’t stay there and I have the marks to prove it!