Nestled among two magnificent rocky mountain tops rising like gothic cathedrals out of the sea is this 40 ft. beacon known as the Skellig Michale Lighthouse. It is one of two lighthouses built in 1829 on Skellig Michale, an uninhabited steep rocky island lying off the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland. The first lighthouse, which is located at a higher elevation, has been out of commission since 1870. This one, however, has been renovated and still serves as a navigational aid to mariners.
Public visits to Skellig Michale are very limited and the lighthouse is not readily accessible as it is somewhat tucked away out of sight. The only way to reach it is by climbing a set of steep and dangerous steps that were originally constructed by 15th-century monks who once lived there. Because it is only visible from the north side of the rock island, this light has been referred to by one photographer as, “The Hidden Lighthouse.”
When I look at this inconspicuous tower hiding behind the weather-battered scar-like rocks I can’t help but think of how we sometimes hide the light of Christ behind the scars of our past. While many of us wish we had never gone through some of the experiences we’ve had, some of us would be happy if we could just forget them altogether. Unfortunately, we all bear the scar(s) of some undesirable past. Perhaps it was a broken relationship, a bad decision, an unexpected disappointment, a painful memory, or even an innocent mistake.
“…scars are only a part of your life’s story not the end of it.
As repentant sinners, we can rest assured that our past has been forgiven. But the truth is that sometimes it can come back to haunt us [Read Haunted Lighthouses]. Like scars, our past can leave memories that remind us of the pain and suffering we once endured. When we focus more on the reasons for our scars rather than on the fact that they are evidence of healed wounds, we can easily hide behind feelings of guilt, self-pity, and shame. These feelings cause us to hide the light of Christ within us. The same light that brought us out of darkness and into a bright, promising, and purposeful future. Don’t allow the scars of life to hide your light. Rise up to the mountain top where you can shine for all to see the NEW creation Christ has made of you and let your scars serve as a testimony of the healing power of His stripes. Remember, scars are only a part of your life’s story not the end of it.
Have you or someone you know been hiding behind the scars of the past? I recommend that you not only read God’s word daily but commit it to memory and take God up on His promises. These promises include the assurance that we have been freed from the penalty of sin and no longer need to hide behind the walls of condemnation. Here is a link to a FREE 365 Promises E-Book. You can download it as PDF file.
Prayer: Dear God, you are Jehova Rapha (The Lord who heals). Your sacrifice has healed the wounds of sin in my life. You are Jehova Or (The Lord of Light). Your salvation has rescued me from darkness and now shines upon me. Let the scars of my past only serve to remind me of your grace so that I may shine brightly and guide others to you. In the name of Yeshua haMashiach (Jesus the Messiah), amen!
Lighthouse Devotions 
Do you know when a person has an “owie,” it scabs over first before the scar is even seen. And as it heals, the tendency leans toward picking at the scab and of course…it never wants to heal and bear the scar.
As you so aptly said in your blog, one’s past will never heal–leave scars–if we’re constantly picking at them. We need to wrap the visible and the invisible wounds of life;’s experiences with the LOVE of Christ, Jehovah Rophe–HEALER (Exodus 15:22-26; Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17.
Thanks Joe for the shining beacon.
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This devotion you wrote really hit home with me. I have many scars from the past, mine were self inflicted. I don’t mean physical ones either,although I have some of those,as well. I loved where you wrote how scars are only part of our story,not the end of it. This is truth. Jesus is my Divine healer, although the enemy would like me to stay haunted. I love my Lord Jesus. He’s relieving my depression as I text. He is Wonderful and thank you for this devotion. It helped me, big time. 💗
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Thank you Jen! Yes, the enemy will do anything he can to remind you of your past. But he has no power over you as long as you remember that the past is only another step in growing spiritually and emotionally. Jesus has made your new! Continue to confess and walk in that newness. Let the scars remind you of His healing power and use them to bless others!
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