Sacred Scars: Resting in God's Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted

by Michelle Bengtson

We all endure trials, pain, and hardship in this life. The enemy often uses those experiences to convince us that our brokenness disqualifies us from ever being used by God again--that we can no longer be a testimony because of our emotional or physical scars. The truth is, your past pain and brokenness actually serve as preparation for what God wants to do in you and through you, if you will but surrender to and trust in him.In Sacred Scars, neuropsychologist and fellow sufferer Dr. Michelle Bengtson helps you · understand suffering through a biblical perspective· discover how the trials of your life serve a purpose· reflect on the healing that God has accomplished· comfort others with the comfort God has given youJust as Jesus's scars didn't disappear after his resurrection, our scars tell our story and lend credence to our testimony of the love and power of God. If you are ready to turn your past pain into present comfort and future hope, let Dr. Bengtson be your compassionate guide.

Genres: Nonfiction, Faith, Mental Health, Self Help, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2024

Reviews

[Lory French horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started reading this book, but I wanted to let you know that Jesus loves you, and this book will tell you why you past was used to make you the person that you are today. Your past is not wasted and it does not define you.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you fighting a battle? Do you have a wound that needs healing? Then this is the book you need to help you walk through the significance of the scars that have formed.
Dr. Bengston has masterfully written a resource that everyone needs in their hand. As you are walking through difficulties in life, it is hard not to feel alone or hopeless. Many of us think we are the only one walking through a difficult situation. The author shares stories from her own battle plus others who have experienced suffering in some way. This book is filled with scriptures that we can speak and meditate on as we walk through this valley. As I read through this book, the tears flowed freely as I saw renewed hope and relatability.
This is the book that shows how God shows the significance in the scars we have formed and wants to transformed the scars into something meaningful, for his kingdom. I would highly recommend this to all readers. If you have ever read any of Dr. Bengtson’s books, then you know the profound impact they will have on you, impact that is everlasting.

[Lee Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all have scars. It’s what we do with them that counts. Dr. Michelle Bengston wrote an intensely empathetic and encouraging book for those wrestling with wounds from the past and present. Highly recommend this book for everyone because we all need its message. Let’s not let our scars go to waste. Let’s let them propel us toward the arms of God and empower us to encourage others who are in pain.

[Mary Morgan]

I‘ve read all of Dr. Michelle Bengtson’s books, thinking that each new book is my favorite. “Sacred Scars” is no exception. She writes from her own experience to encourage and comfort others with the comfort with which she has been comforted (see 2 Corinthians 1:14), helping us along as we cling to Jesus in this broken, troubled world. She assures us that God never wastes our pain and He will use it all for our good and His glory. Read this book and be encouraged that with the Lord’s help, we can live this way, too.Sacred Scars: Resting in God's Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted

[KAREN TACKETT · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading Sacred Scars I realized my great need for the message of hope Dr. Michelle shares. My journey of grief and sorrow from my hubby’s death turned my world upside down. Each chapter has given me a word or a thought that has filled me with joy even in the midst of the pain as I realized that the pain I am experiencing is not wasted. Through this season my heart has hurt to the point that I despaired of going on alone but Dr. Michelle has given me a light for the future which is God’s presence to care for me; his plans and purposes to move me on alone. Have you ever wondered how to go forward after a devastating loss, disease, or relationship closure? You truly will find out emotionally, mentally, physically, relationally and spiritually how to thrive even when your heart is broken. Sacred Scars encourages you to look to Jesus; to feed on God’s word and to never look back and let the pain of the past dictate your future. Allow your heart to experience healing as scars develop where divine truths and promises flood you. You will weep and even smile as you experience beautiful sacred scars for your painful wounds.

[Kelley Perrigin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words to describe this book. I sure needed this in the season of life I am in. Michelle shares her experiences and on each page you feel you have a friend right beside you. She has taught me that my past brokenness and scars don’t define me. That God uses those things to prepare me for the future He has planned. I just have to lean in and trust Him. See each experience as a stepping stone to greater things. Use those experiences to develop a deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father. Thanks so much Michelle!

[Maree Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, I'm enjoying Michelle's new book. It's a great reminder that God will use everything and that our pain is not wasted.

[Diana Rockwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fortunate to have read
Michelle Bengtson newest book. As a nurse, this book Sacred Scars is going to help so many people. As one with chronic pain and I often suffer, the chapters I have read have helped me know that my God has not forgotten me. He sees me, just as he sees David. Dr. Bengtson helps explore our scars using many Biblical references. I am most impressed how she uses the stories of others and her own personal story to share how God helps and how he uses pain and the scars we have to honor him. Dr. Bengtson has yet again written an outstanding book that will help all that read this book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle’s ability to share her sacred scars & the scars of others has spoken to me of God’s great love & compassion. I share many of these sacred scars & the message of this book has renewed my commitment to use my experiences and blessings through pain, suffering & healing to bless others as God has blessed me. I encourage anyone who is suffering or has suffered physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual pain to read this book as Michelle will lead you to find God’s purpose love & compassion in your journey.

[Teri Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is well written book that incorporates personal stories from various people about their scarred past and how God has turned it for good. Michelle shares her own personal scars and does a great job tying in scripture. Each chapter ends with a prayer, and a music playlist. At the end of the book she has included discussion questions for group or personal reflection. I highly recommend this book!

[Vicki Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly pain is a part of life. We experience it emotionally, physically, relationally, and spiritually. We pray for a life without it, but our painfilled moments is often where we grow the most. 'Sacred Scars' dives into this truth and guides readers to an understanding of how God can use our darkest valley moments to make beauty from the ashes of our scared scars!

[Michelle Lazurek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I think michelle can't write another great book, she does it again! Chock full of insights on how God doesn't waste our pain., page after page, I feel she is talking right to me. If you want to know how God can use your past to define your future, this book is for you.

[Debra Southern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do I promote this book?
One quote from the book. “What if, instead of viewing our scars as an ugly reminder of the heartache of this world, we appreciated them as a reflection that because of Jesus we are stronger than whatever tried to hurt us?” Now, that is a perspective I can get behind and use in my daily life and hopefully share with others.
#DrMichelleBengtson #scaredscars Available now for preorder. Release date is June 25.

[Peg Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think most of us love to hear stories that give us hope and encouragement--stories of people who have experienced great struggles and tragedies and yet survived and thrived. If you are one of those people who needs encouragement in your struggles then I recommend Dr. Michelle Bengtson’s most recent book “Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted.” What makes her an authority on God’s promises? Read on:

Imagine this: At the time of your birth, you are not expected to live. But you do. Then at the age of three you become so ill that you’re not expected to live, and if you do, you will have to live with many challenges. You survive. Then one day, many years later, you are driving down the road and you see a truck in your lane, heading right for you. Swerving to the left or right is not an option so you stay in your lane. Just as the truck is about to strike your car, you brace for impact, then the truck disappears. You look in your rearview mirror and see that truck, still in your lane, barreling down the road behind you. By the hand of God, you’ve escaped death once again. Imagine an entire life filled with moments where you’ve literally “kissed death”.

Imagine as a young child being bullied by classmates and even teachers. Imagine your college professor telling you there’s no way you’ll ever be a successful writer or a public speaker. But in the midst of every “war” you see the hand of God! Imagine surviving every plan of the devil to kill you, to lie to you, to discourage you, to break your relationship with God. Imagine now that you are an award-winning author and podcaster, and a very successful and popular doctor, appearing on TV and radio programs around the world.

You and I may have trouble imagining all of the above scenarios, but Dr. Bengtson doesn’t have to imagine them because she has lived each one…and many more. Dr. Bengtson understands pain and the resulting scars! She can relate to your struggles. She has been where you’ve been, where you are and where you may be going. She has survived everything the enemy has thrown at her. Because of her faithfulness, God is using her in mighty ways. The devil can’t take her down, although he has tried on numerous occasions. Dr. Bengtson knows pain; she has the scars to prove it, but most importantly she knows God’s character. It’s so important to know God’s word and His character.

If you want encouragement, hope, and Holy Spirit-inspired wisdom, you need to read “Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted.” It will impact your life like no other book you’ve read.

[Tara Rounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacred Scars is a book about pain- yes, but it is also a book about HOPE that is found in the dark. The book contains personal stories from Michelle and others of how God turned their pain and struggles around for good and a purpose- healing wounds and redeeming the the pain and leaving Sacred Scars. In these stories Michelle and the others are open and honest about some of their pain, past, and struggles letting the reader know they are not alone.
Each Chapter contains Scriptures, a personal prayer, and a recommended playlist. The end of the book has reflection questions from each chapter and additional resources.
This book let's the reader know that our pain, our struggles, the dark, the hard, and our wounds can all be shaped and molded by God and used for His Glory and Good. Our pain isn't wasted and to quote Michelle Bengtson- "My friend our scars are not a bad thing! Our scars are the tapestry of the lessons we've learned through pain, whether those scars are the result of physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual pain. Scars signify a battle has occurred." Some chapter titles are Shame OFF You- You Are Not Your Past, We Are Stronger Than Whatever Tried To Hurt Us, and We Are Already Accepted. Sacred Scars is a book of hope, encouragement, and words that may be a life raft when you are struggling, overwhelmed, grieving, or hurting. You are not alone my dear friends. We all have some kind of pain and scars but there is Hope.
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacred Scars
Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted

Pub Date Jun 25 2024
Christian | Self-Help
Revell and Netgalley provided me with a copy of Sacred Scars for review:
Throughout the years, I have followed Dr. Michelle Bengston’s faith journey as well as her cancer battle. Her faith has been lived out through social media, which I consider one of the positive aspects of the medium. Of course she has those dark moments, and Sacred Scars is a reflection of that.
So let’s get into Sacred Scars!
Trials, pain, and hardship are part of life for all of us. It is often the enemy who uses those experiences to convince us that we cannot be used again by God because of our emotional or physical scars. If you surrender to and trust in God, your past pain and brokenness actually serve as preparation for what God wants to do in you and through you.
With Sacred Scars, neuropsychologist and fellow sufferer Dr. Michelle Bengtson helps you deal with your pain
An understanding of suffering based on the Bible:
Learn how your trials serve a purpose in life:
Consider God’s healing:
You can comfort others with the comfort that God has given you.
As Jesus’ scars didn’t disappear after his resurrection, our scars testify to the love and power of God. Dr. Bengtson can help you turn your past pain into present comfort and future hope.

I give Sacred Scars five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!

[Tammy Kennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Michele Bengston knows about suffering and heartache. Her new book, Sacred Scars: Resting in God's Promise that Your Past is Not Wasted, is a fellow sojourner on life's rocky path. A neuropsychologist, she gently encourages the reader to view difficult experiences through an eternal lens.

Sharing part of her story as well as the stories of others, Michele conveys understanding while inspiring the reader to depend on the Lord for strength. She wrestles with the larger concept of trauma as well as such concepts as feeling unworthy and living with the aftermath of rejection. More than that, Dr. Bengston directs the reader to consider her pain in light of faith, overcoming, and Jesus' sacrifice.

Each chapter closes with scripture or "A Scarred Perspective", prayer, and playlist recommendations. Study questions listed near the end of the book ensure Dr. Bengston's latest work would serve small groups well.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Baker Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kathy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every one of us has some sort of pain in different times of our lives. The author of this book is painfully familiar with pain in its many forms and writes as a sufferer who continues to trust God. Regardless of the kind or level of pain you and I are experiencing, Sacred Scars will empower us to trust God as our loving Lord and Master even when hard times hit us. Michelle Bengtson uses Scripture, personal story, insights from others and instruction wisely and powerfully. Even if we are not in pain currently, the truths this book shares will be valuable for some area of our lives because ultimately every sorrow or joy is an opportunity to learn to trust God more--and ultimately that is what this book is about. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

[Tama Fortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

So often we see our scars as ugly reminders of the hurts and harms we have endured, but in Sacred Scars, author Dr. Michelle Bengtson reminds us that there are life and faith lessons to be learned from these forays into the wilderness of pain and sorrow.
With truths spoken from experience, Bengtson gently comes alongside readers, sharing her own personal stories, struggles, and sorrows—and offering prayers, a fresh perspective, and so much more. There are even playlists! Bengtson’s words will encourage, reassure, and remind you that “your pain, your wounds, and your scars are in good hands” when you entrust them to our good God.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Baker Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Keith Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody WANTS scars, but everybody has them. Some are big and some are small, but they all tell a story of survival, or at least getting through "it," whatever "it" was.

Michelle does a masterful job of helping change your perspective of a scar, from a physical, mental or emotional disfigurement to a banner of God's goodness.

Read this book with your favorite coffee or tea, find a place where you can listen to her recommended playlist (or your own) while you read, and enjoy the journey.

Spend some time with God before you read. Ask Him to reveal His purpose for each scar, and what He wants to do in and through you.

This is a great book. Thank you Michelle for sharing your experience, your wisdom, and especially your heart.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know a single person who doesn't have some sort of wound from their past. It might be bad decisions, which led to long-term consequences or a tragedy which came by surprise. The wounds we have tell a story if we let them and the stories they tell are for the benefit of other people. We can share our stories of God's goodness, faithfulness, support, and strength to encourage someone else's heart to keep hanging on and believing God doesn't waste pain, but grows beauty from it. This book is the book you need if you wonder if your past prevents your present from being a reflection of God's glory.

[Pamela Filomeno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! God can use even YOU! Your past doesn't disqualify you from being used in the most extraordinary ways as long as you give your life to God. Dr Michelle Bengtson allows the reader to see their scars in a whole new way by giving example after example of people who gave their scars to Him and the beauty that came from it. We have all experienced some kind of pain. Unfortunately it is inevitable, but God can use that pain to reach others, increasing His Kingdom here on Earth and in the Kingdom to come. Are you ready to see how God can bring beauty from your ashes, then grab this book (and grab a second one to share with someone else who may be going through their own storm)!

[Gina Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all have scars. I was often ashamed of my scars throughout my teen years. To be honest, I can still struggle with loving my crooked smile and other reminders of the accident that nearly took my life as a child. I really connected with the stories shared in Sacred Scars. Dr. Michelle Bengtson shared her stories, Biblical truths, and testimonies of survivors in her book. I smiled. I laughed. I even cried at times as I read each chapter. And I healed a bit more from my own scars. I cannot wait to share this book with others!

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I´ve started reading the book. I haven´t finished yet , but I can`t wait to share the truths I´m already envisioning . I just adore the way Michelle Bengtson puts into words the feelings anyone of us go through while making through the journey of pain, frustration, hopelessness we sometimes have in life. Not only that but also she highlights that things should not end there; we can emerge better off because of them, stronger, more resilient.She certainly knows what she`s saying as the board- certified neuropsychologist that she is

[Lisa Saruga · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an encouraging, empowering book! Dr. Bengtson is an expert on pain through both education and experience. While The Hem of His Garment demonstrated resilience and reliance on God as we run the race, Sacred Scars awards readers the badge of honor for winning. God doesn't purpose for us to experience trauma, but He can use all things for His purposes if we let him. In seeking purpose, many have grown stronger despite, or maybe because of, of the struggle. God will waste no part of our story as He redeems us! Thank you to Dr. Bengston for sharing the encouraging stories of many survivors.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacred Scars breathed new hope and life into my view of past wounds and pain. I found Dr. MIchelle Bengsten's book practical, accessible, and deeply encouraging. This was a helpful guide to seeing how God redeems our broken past and creates something good from what the enemy meant for evil. Loved this perspective: "What if, instead of viewing our scars as an ugly reminder of the heartache of this world, we appreciated them as a reflection that because of Jesus we are stronger than whatever tried to hurt us?"

[Heidi McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I firmly believe our scars shape us and make us more beautiful from the inside out. IF we believe and rest in God’s promises and His assurance of healing and love. I love Michelle Bengtson’s books because she writes from what she has lived and continues to live each day. Michelle is vulnerable, honest and always takes us back to how God uses our pain. But she doesn’t stop there; she writes and models how our pain is a gift to help others. This is another award winning book because it is written from the depth of her soul and wisdom acquired from the scars of her pain.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this inspiring book made me realize that I have scars that are visible to the world and other scars that are hidden. In recognizing my inner and outer scars, I have given the pain and fear that happened to make those marks part of my life, over to God. God knows my scars and He covers me with His love. I'm thankful the author wrote this book. I believe many people will be helped by reading and sharing this one. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Janis McAdoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find beauty in your scars. This book is a roadmap that will show you how. God will take all of the brokenness of your past, and the resultant scars, and craft them all together into a beautiful mosaic masterpiece. Then, he'll use them for good to help others who are on the same journey.

Just as she does in all of her books, Dr. Bengtson backs all of her teachings up with Scripture and shares both a prayer and a music playlist for you to draw strength from.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real encouragement for your hurting heart

When you are in the deep valleys of suffering, you need true encouragement from someone who really understands. Michelle is this person. She tells it like it is and doesn’t sugarcoat anything. The stories she shares from others in each chapter are enlightening too. You can use the study questions for your own development or in a Bible study group or book club. This is one of the best books I read all year and I highly recommend it.