Awesome God: Remembering the Power in the Scars

There are moments in the missionary journey, or even in our quiet moments of study at home, when the sheer magnitude of the Savior’s glory can feel overwhelming. We sing about the majesty, the power, the glory—and rightly so. We look at the stars and feel humbled by the Creator’s power. We sing, “Our God is an awesome God!”

But as I was listening to Phil Wickham’s rendition of “What An Awesome God” recently, something really settled in my heart. It wasn't just the chorus; it was the bridge. It was the reminder that the greatest display of His awesome power wasn't in the distant, untouchable glory, but right there, visible, tangible, on the cross.

When the song shifts focus—from the celestial throne to the hands and feet—it’s a powerful redirect. It’s a gentle nudge from the Spirit, reminding us that the most profound truths of the gospel aren't found in abstract theology, but in the personal sacrifice. It’s in the scars.

The Scars Are the Story

In our work, we are constantly taught to point people toward the Savior. We learn to testify of His divinity, His power, and His eternal nature. These things are true, and we must share them with all who will hear. But sometimes, when we are preparing for missionary discussions, or when we are in a deep Bible Study Group, we can get so caught up in reciting the doctrine that we forget the narrative that underpins it all.

The Savior didn't just *say* He was worthy; He *proved* it. He didn't just *teach* of the Atonement; He *lived* it, right down to the point of sacrifice. That is the cornerstone of our faith, the core message we carry into every single interaction, whether we are in the field or just passing along the gospel in our daily lives as Internet missionaries.

It’s easy to focus on the "Sunday morning rose up from that grave" part, the triumph. But the song forces us to linger on the "Friday on a cross, broken for my shame." That brokenness—that vulnerability—is where the power meets the need. It’s where the Father’s love becomes accessible to us, the children of the covenant.

Be Christlike in Every Chapter

This brings me to a little nugget of missionary preparation I’ve been pondering lately. When we talk about being Christlike, we often think of grand gestures—the selfless act, the perfect testimony. But I’ve been learning that being Christlike, especially as a returned missionary, is often found in the mundane, the repetitive, the moments that require patience and humility.

It’s in the follow-up call that feels awkward. It’s in the conversation with an investigator who keeps asking the same question, but with a slightly different tone of confusion. It’s in the quiet commitment to keep studying the scriptures even when the Spirit feels distant. These moments require us to channel that same quiet, enduring love that was displayed in the Savior’s suffering. We are called to be disciples who reflect that persistent, loving grace.

If you’re feeling the weight of the work right now, or if you’re just trying to deepen your personal scripture study, I highly recommend taking a look at the latest insights on the social scripture study layer in LivingBook. Sometimes seeing how others are connecting verses can help illuminate the narrative we need to focus on.

We are all disciples anywhere, all the time. Let’s keep singing that song, but let’s also remember to pause and honor the depth of the sacrifice that makes the song so powerful. It’s the foundation upon which all our testimonies rest.

If you feel the Spirit moving you to deepen your understanding of the Atonement, I invite you to join our next Book Club session. We’ll be diving into the Book of Mormon parallels with the Atonement this coming week. Check the link below for details!