Amidst the Brokenness
Situations surround us all the time. Sometimes the pain seems like too much. It's natural that we question if we're growing. Even if we are, often we don't realize it. While experiencing all the confusion in the storm, our vision tends to go blurry. We look at life and wonder what good could come of said circumstances. We look at the world and wonder where the good even is: Amidst all the evil?
Is "good" a definable word, or do we have a distorted view of it? Does our view of it change depending on whichever situation we may be going through?
Just a few questions I've been asking myself recently.
While experiencing harder times, especially, I wonder about the big picture. I wonder what might come through my personal brokenness, if anything.
Could it be that there's something greater going on than we realize? Through my pain might I even bring about someone else's growth? Or maybe it's just a lesson I've got to learn, and now happened to be the opportune time to learn it. Maybe the purpose of pain is for myself as I'm in this world, figuring out my life?
What I find particularly interesting is how we're able to respond to those times of hardness...
We could either grow in faith, or, quite the opposite.
The hardship could either be a) destructive or b) another challenge which brings about growth, depending on our response to the situation...or, depending on our response to Him.
I've come to learn that each situation's different. Things may be black and white, sometimes grey. But God was, is, and always will be. He never changes.
There are times of testing, yet He doesn't give us more than we can bear. Through our weakness, He proves to be strong, and as we soften our hearts during those times of trouble, often we learn a ton if we draw near to Him.
How amazing it is that we're even able to take refuge in Him. And to know that He longs for us to come back, no matter what happens, is simply astounding!
This is the God who cares enough to warn. Who loves enough to discipline. Who is incredibly holy. Who sent His only son to die...for me? As a sinner. Why do we deserve this forgiveness? Whenever I'm asked that question, I'm stunned.
And to know that He wants a personal relationship with us? Even after we hurt Him. Wow! What a powerful, amazing creator!
Clearly He loves us in ways incomprehensible.
Matthew 10:29-31 says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
I'd like to share two things I noticed while reading this short passage of scripture, in light of the love of God and the human struggle with brokenness:
1. The two sparrows sold for a penny: Whenever I think of sparrows, I think of the common little birds flitting around in nearly every backyard during the summer. They don't always get the most attention (or cost the most money) because they aren't rare...yet God cares deeply for them. Even though others seem to pass them by. How great it is to know that He loves each one individually; all valued and special.
2. Not a sparrow will fall apart from the will of your Father: God never promised that our walk would be an easy one. Actually, we've been called to take up our cross and follow Him. We may not fully understand the will of our Father, especially when presented with trouble or when we do fall... This is often where I get confused, because I know that He cares about His children so incredibly much. Why would God let the one He loves stumble and fall? To be honest, I'm not sure. But I could tell you what happened when I was broken. I started to see how desperately I need a Savior. Ultimately the pain that I felt brought me back to the God of the universe. I never realized before how prone I really am to wander away! Because of the situation I found myself in, I became aware of my own depravity and now I'm captivated by His absolutely amazing grace. As a by-product I also became more passionate about sharing Christ's love with others. I couldn't do anything without it!
In Warren Wiersbe's book, The Bumps Are What You Climb On, he writes of Abraham's journey and "the difficult tests on the road of life [which he had to take] before he reached the top of the mountain." While speaking of the famine in the land of Canaan, Wiersbe underlines a significant point by exclaiming, "Imagine facing a famine in the land God has promised you!"
My first thought: He does give and take away!
But I know that He's got reasons for taking away.
Even if we don't understand them. Yet.
I'm constantly reminded of Matthew 7:9-11, which says this: "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
But sometimes, as children, we don't know what we're asking for.
We might be asking for bread, but our parents know we're allergic. We might be looking for another cookie when our parents know that now is not the time. Or we might want to play tag with friends though they know we've got asthma.
And as a result, often not understanding why or how others could know better than ourselves, we wonder what it is that we are going to receive.
In the same way, many people question God's goodness...
...in relation to what they've been given.
Or how they've been hurt.
Maybe you've heard of this song: There's a line in it which says that "[e]verybody's got a story that could break your heart."
We may never know why certain things play out in a particularly difficult way.
But a friend recently shared something with me which underlines the reality I've come to know: "It's not so much about whether or not God caused [these situations], but that God used [them]."
It's funny...
We're searching for answers, but often we don't get the ones we're looking for.
And because of that, though we do receive a response, we're usually left unsatisfied.
You'd think the way in which we're cared for would be simple to figure out. When really we're shown love in ways which we'd never expect.
For example, recently I've seen how we have to be broken before we can be healed. In being broken, we get hurt, but if we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, He can mold us into what He wants us to be.
In Psalm 119 (verse 71), the author writes, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Through reading this, I was reminded of the reality of sin and how much it affects our relationship with Him. As we strive to be obedient, living in submission to Christ, it only makes sense that we should know the laws which we shouldn't break. Through personal experience, and sometimes through pain, often our eyes are opened up as we realize how we have grown through affliction.
And on an even more personal note, I've found that through affliction, confrontation and brokenness comes not only healing but also that longing to spend more time with the One who created me. Just to know Him more.
These last three months in particular have been very stretching. It's odd; I've realized that goodness can come along with the brokenness, which makes me wonder... Even though Satan might be at work, and even though he's tricky when enticing us with sin (which clearly gets us into trouble), could it be that God uses even that so we may grow and ultimately He brings about good through it?
He's certainly capable of doing so. Romans 8:28 clearly states that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
There was once another man searching for answers. He asked Jesus this question: "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments" (Matthew 19:17).
The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, strength. Which implies that we know Him.
Through Titus 1:16, we learn that "[some] claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good."
1 John also emphasizes upon this truth: "No one who lives in [Christ] keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him" (3:6).
As Titus 3:14 taught that "[their] people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives," it teaches us, also, that if we truly know our God - the One who is good - our devotion and the reality of our relationship with Him will be shown through good deeds. We choose to obey Him because we love Him, and because we know Christ, we're able to love others.
The reward is a fruitfulness which is recognizable.
And we're free to do this because we're free from sin. Not because of what we've done but simply because of who God is.
The really cool part of this is that through acknowledging how our fruitfulness is shown in reflection to our relationship with God, we're starting to realize how we really need Him. Clearly He's the provider... The reason we're able to live productive lives is because we're connected to the source!
Ultimately, He's the one who's given the glory.
He's the only one worthy of it.
As we begin to understand how much we do need Him, as well, it allows us to depend on His power all the more, to be more open to His leading, and to be molded more into His likeness.
In Psalm 34:8-10, we read these words: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."
Psalm 84:11: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."
And then we look at Job.
Paul.
Joseph.
Daniel.
Christ.
They all experienced pain, trouble, and heartbreak.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Three men who were bold enough to say, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:17,18).
They didn't only trust God's power within the circumstance - they trusted His character, despite the outcome! By and by, they remained obedient. Even though they knew very well that the fire could bring about their death.
Hebrews 12:7-11 has been an incredibly powerful piece of scripture which I find myself at time and time again. I don't know what you have been, might be, or will be going through...but as I share this with you, I hope that you will find encouragement in knowing that God's there with you amidst the brokenness.
"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Is "good" a definable word, or do we have a distorted view of it? Does our view of it change depending on whichever situation we may be going through?
Just a few questions I've been asking myself recently.
While experiencing harder times, especially, I wonder about the big picture. I wonder what might come through my personal brokenness, if anything.
Could it be that there's something greater going on than we realize? Through my pain might I even bring about someone else's growth? Or maybe it's just a lesson I've got to learn, and now happened to be the opportune time to learn it. Maybe the purpose of pain is for myself as I'm in this world, figuring out my life?
What I find particularly interesting is how we're able to respond to those times of hardness...
We could either grow in faith, or, quite the opposite.
The hardship could either be a) destructive or b) another challenge which brings about growth, depending on our response to the situation...or, depending on our response to Him.
I've come to learn that each situation's different. Things may be black and white, sometimes grey. But God was, is, and always will be. He never changes.
There are times of testing, yet He doesn't give us more than we can bear. Through our weakness, He proves to be strong, and as we soften our hearts during those times of trouble, often we learn a ton if we draw near to Him.
How amazing it is that we're even able to take refuge in Him. And to know that He longs for us to come back, no matter what happens, is simply astounding!
This is the God who cares enough to warn. Who loves enough to discipline. Who is incredibly holy. Who sent His only son to die...for me? As a sinner. Why do we deserve this forgiveness? Whenever I'm asked that question, I'm stunned.
And to know that He wants a personal relationship with us? Even after we hurt Him. Wow! What a powerful, amazing creator!
Clearly He loves us in ways incomprehensible.
Matthew 10:29-31 says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
I'd like to share two things I noticed while reading this short passage of scripture, in light of the love of God and the human struggle with brokenness:
1. The two sparrows sold for a penny: Whenever I think of sparrows, I think of the common little birds flitting around in nearly every backyard during the summer. They don't always get the most attention (or cost the most money) because they aren't rare...yet God cares deeply for them. Even though others seem to pass them by. How great it is to know that He loves each one individually; all valued and special.
2. Not a sparrow will fall apart from the will of your Father: God never promised that our walk would be an easy one. Actually, we've been called to take up our cross and follow Him. We may not fully understand the will of our Father, especially when presented with trouble or when we do fall... This is often where I get confused, because I know that He cares about His children so incredibly much. Why would God let the one He loves stumble and fall? To be honest, I'm not sure. But I could tell you what happened when I was broken. I started to see how desperately I need a Savior. Ultimately the pain that I felt brought me back to the God of the universe. I never realized before how prone I really am to wander away! Because of the situation I found myself in, I became aware of my own depravity and now I'm captivated by His absolutely amazing grace. As a by-product I also became more passionate about sharing Christ's love with others. I couldn't do anything without it!
In Warren Wiersbe's book, The Bumps Are What You Climb On, he writes of Abraham's journey and "the difficult tests on the road of life [which he had to take] before he reached the top of the mountain." While speaking of the famine in the land of Canaan, Wiersbe underlines a significant point by exclaiming, "Imagine facing a famine in the land God has promised you!"
My first thought: He does give and take away!
But I know that He's got reasons for taking away.
Even if we don't understand them. Yet.
I'm constantly reminded of Matthew 7:9-11, which says this: "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
But sometimes, as children, we don't know what we're asking for.
We might be asking for bread, but our parents know we're allergic. We might be looking for another cookie when our parents know that now is not the time. Or we might want to play tag with friends though they know we've got asthma.
And as a result, often not understanding why or how others could know better than ourselves, we wonder what it is that we are going to receive.
In the same way, many people question God's goodness...
...in relation to what they've been given.
Or how they've been hurt.
Maybe you've heard of this song: There's a line in it which says that "[e]verybody's got a story that could break your heart."
We may never know why certain things play out in a particularly difficult way.
But a friend recently shared something with me which underlines the reality I've come to know: "It's not so much about whether or not God caused [these situations], but that God used [them]."
It's funny...
We're searching for answers, but often we don't get the ones we're looking for.
And because of that, though we do receive a response, we're usually left unsatisfied.
You'd think the way in which we're cared for would be simple to figure out. When really we're shown love in ways which we'd never expect.
For example, recently I've seen how we have to be broken before we can be healed. In being broken, we get hurt, but if we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, He can mold us into what He wants us to be.
In Psalm 119 (verse 71), the author writes, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Through reading this, I was reminded of the reality of sin and how much it affects our relationship with Him. As we strive to be obedient, living in submission to Christ, it only makes sense that we should know the laws which we shouldn't break. Through personal experience, and sometimes through pain, often our eyes are opened up as we realize how we have grown through affliction.
And on an even more personal note, I've found that through affliction, confrontation and brokenness comes not only healing but also that longing to spend more time with the One who created me. Just to know Him more.
These last three months in particular have been very stretching. It's odd; I've realized that goodness can come along with the brokenness, which makes me wonder... Even though Satan might be at work, and even though he's tricky when enticing us with sin (which clearly gets us into trouble), could it be that God uses even that so we may grow and ultimately He brings about good through it?
He's certainly capable of doing so. Romans 8:28 clearly states that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
There was once another man searching for answers. He asked Jesus this question: "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments" (Matthew 19:17).
The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, strength. Which implies that we know Him.
Through Titus 1:16, we learn that "[some] claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good."
1 John also emphasizes upon this truth: "No one who lives in [Christ] keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him" (3:6).
As Titus 3:14 taught that "[their] people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives," it teaches us, also, that if we truly know our God - the One who is good - our devotion and the reality of our relationship with Him will be shown through good deeds. We choose to obey Him because we love Him, and because we know Christ, we're able to love others.
The reward is a fruitfulness which is recognizable.
And we're free to do this because we're free from sin. Not because of what we've done but simply because of who God is.
The really cool part of this is that through acknowledging how our fruitfulness is shown in reflection to our relationship with God, we're starting to realize how we really need Him. Clearly He's the provider... The reason we're able to live productive lives is because we're connected to the source!
Ultimately, He's the one who's given the glory.
He's the only one worthy of it.
As we begin to understand how much we do need Him, as well, it allows us to depend on His power all the more, to be more open to His leading, and to be molded more into His likeness.
In Psalm 34:8-10, we read these words: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."
Psalm 84:11: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."
And then we look at Job.
Paul.
Joseph.
Daniel.
Christ.
They all experienced pain, trouble, and heartbreak.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Three men who were bold enough to say, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:17,18).
They didn't only trust God's power within the circumstance - they trusted His character, despite the outcome! By and by, they remained obedient. Even though they knew very well that the fire could bring about their death.
Hebrews 12:7-11 has been an incredibly powerful piece of scripture which I find myself at time and time again. I don't know what you have been, might be, or will be going through...but as I share this with you, I hope that you will find encouragement in knowing that God's there with you amidst the brokenness.
"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
posted by Sharilyn | 8:20 p.m.
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2 comments
