Don’t Waste Your Wounds

Some of us have endured awful, shameful, and humiliating experiences—accidents, divorces, sicknesses, addictions, imprisonment, layoffs, losses, broken dreams, and wasted years. Yet these very wounds have taught, guided, and shaped us into who we are today.

At 63, I encourage you: pay attention and gather wisdom from your earned wounds. Jesus told Peter that Satan desired to sift him like wheat (Luke 22:31). He warned Peter that suffering was coming, but assured him that He was praying that Peter’s faith would not fail.

Pompous Peter boldly declared he would never forsake Jesus, but before the night was over, he denied Him three times—and then wept bitterly (vv. 54–62). That’s exactly what Satan wanted. But Jesus had prayed, and His prayer carried Peter through. Wounds will either close you up in bitterness, or open you up to become stronger and better.

Peter didn’t waste his wound. He obeyed the Lord, repented, and returned to strengthen his brothers (v. 32). Acts 2 is living proof—Peter stood boldly and helped birth the church. The difference between Peter and Judas is a chasm no one can cross: Peter repented; Judas never did.

As preacher J.C. Ryle observed, “The fall of Peter has been a beacon to the church, and has probably preserved myriads of souls from destruction.” Peter’s failure became a light for others.

Forgiven. Restored. Changed.

Like Peter, use your scars to save others. Profit from your pain. Don’t trash your troubles. Gather wealth from your wounds. Your wounds don’t have to be wasted—they can become testimonies that point others to Christ.

Grace to you,
Cedric
Traditionalwriter@yahoo.com