However, I noticed tonight that where the blisters and damaged skin once was, there was new growth. My fingers have a fine, soft, smooth layer of fresh, pink skin on them. The new skin took the place of my old, calloused skin, changing the appearance and the feel of them.
This got me thinking about new skin, new flesh, a new start. When we come to Christ, we come with calloused hearts, old, freckled and scarred flesh, wrinkles and blemishes... and as we draw closer, we must burn away and melt away that hardened flesh. We seek Him to create in us new hearts, new, clean flesh, unblemished spirits... but it hurts! It is not easy to remove the old, familiar ways, but it is completely worth it. Once the pain wears off, and we give in to His divine hands, we are made fresh and new and unblemished.
We just have to remember that new flesh is tender, and must be cultivated with care. If we treat fresh, new, tender flesh like old, calloused flesh, it will tear and have to regrow, but if we tend to it gently, growing and babying the new ways, our hearts and minds and flesh will be in submission to the One who formed it in us.