Christian poem 'The Scars He Gave Me' by Brian Smith (Christart.com)

The Scars He Gave Me
by Brian Smith

My God, Your ways are hidden, as I strive to understand
I've lived my life to seek and chase the guidance of Your hand
And as I've sought to follow, there were times you let me down
Within the depths of pain in life, the times You watched me drown
In faith, I struggled, knowing that Your will would save my soul
Believing that when I was torn, your grace would make me whole
You've never let me down in this, for always You'd restore
And after I had mended, how I always loved You more

I used the pain You brought me to encourage those You love
I've lead them to a deeper faith to trust their God above
Explaining that your reasons are much higher than our own
It comforts them to know that they are not in this alone
For always, there's a reason in the paths You've lead me through
And someday, at Your Throne of Grace, I'll see the reason, too
You'd brought me closer, teaching me to trust Your sovereign will
You've shown me how Your love restores, and empty hearts can fill

And those ordained to follow have this testament to read
To show them how these scars are used to reach a world in need
I'd take the scars again to lead another to Your Throne
I'd raise my hands to praise you God, this life is not my own
I know it's not my place to ask, but since we're almost through
I pray that You'd forgive this lowly man who asks of you…
Why must a God who gave His Son to die for all our sin
Now let His children suffer loss for others they could win?

My child, you've sought me all your life, but looked where I was hidden
Assuming all the losses suffered, somehow I had bidden
My higher will has been revealed wherever My Words are
And if you'd found them, you'd be standing here without a scar
Now think of what you've told them, who have come to hear you speak
Were they inspired by the pain or wounds that made you weak?
Or did they find their comfort in the things you said of Me?
Of how I turned your wounds to scars and set my child free?

You see, I never brought the wounds that tore your heart with strife
I'd never send destruction, or would take my child's life
I brought the scars to mend you every time the wounds were deep
And though I never sent the wounds, this promise I would keep
That never would I suffer you to bare such pain alone
To save you from the weight of sin, I'd take it as my own
The scars show where I've healed a wound, so turn from all your pain
And look upon my hands, where you will see the scars remain.