~ Are You Broken Enough That God Can Use You? ~
Normally being
“broken” does not bring thoughts of strength and happiness. Whether in regard
to promises, relationships, hearts, or material objects like toys or vehicles
we do not relish broken things.
One exception is the
concept of breaking a horse—uncontrolled power is turned into useful power
under control. A broken horse has
learned to submit its own will to the will of its master. Interesting “power
under control” is an excellent definition of the Biblical concept of
“meekness.”
God wants
us to be broken, for our own good, and so that we can be made useful for His
kingdom. Brokenness enables us to see
ourselves as we really are, and to appreciate God’s mercy and grace. Brokenness is the opposite of the attitude
that says: “I can handle this on my own.” While we bless people out of
our natural abilities we spiritually bless others out of our spiritual gifts and
our brokenness.
The Scriptures tell
us that God does not think like we do and that His
ways of accomplishing things is different than our ways. “‘For My thoughts are
not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are
My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isaiah
55:8-9).
Natural Objects
~ A broken cloud gives rain. Broken ground brings forth grain. The broken
grain gives forth bread. Broken bread
gives energy and health.
“Manmade” Objects
~ Marble must be chiseled in
order to be made into a meaningful statue.
Diamonds must be faceted by an expert before
they are beautiful. Recall the account of the woman who broke the alabaster jar
out of love for Christ. “And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon
the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly
fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. But when
His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, ‘Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been
sold for much and given to the poor.’ But when Jesus was aware of it, He said
to them, ‘Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me’” (Matthew 26:6-10).
Old Testament Characters ~ Moses
spent 40 years in the wilderness before God chose to use him. God wanted to use
Jonah to save the city of Nineveh but first he had to be broken. King David
failed miserably before God’s Spirit used him mightily.
New Testament Characters ~ Peter
failed miserably and was broken in spirit before God used him mightily. God
used him to cause thousands to believe in the Messiah—Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul had
a background worthy of boasting. But he suffered greatly as a Christian. But in
his suffering and being broken he learned the truth
about his own sin nature. “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me,
because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was
formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy
because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was
exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a
faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the
world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might
show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him
for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who
alone is wise be honor and glory
forever and ever. Amen” (1
Timothy 1:12-17).
Interestingly every
truly Godly person I have known has had a deep sense of their own sinful nature
and a realization that God gives them daily far more than they deserve.
Our Supreme Example ~ “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you:
that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and
when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is
broken for you; do this in
remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper,
saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you
drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink
this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
the good news: Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you,
for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians
12:9).
side note: Brokenness is also the only cure for the
troubles of nations. “If My people who
are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and
turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive
their sin and heal
their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
NOTES:
(1) The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this
home page.
(2) There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the
left column.
(3) You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website.
(4)
You
may COPY any ALN post, but please
credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement: Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free
blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid
Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/
.
