At one point in nearly every life, comes a time when you feel like you've lost everything. And that's not such a bad place to be.
I'll never forget that day when the wheels came off my shiny car speeding down the freeway to happiness. Standing on the side of the road, alone, all of my successes suddenly were empty, hollow. Nothing really mattered -- except what mattered.
Friends? Most just dropped away in silence, not knowing what to say. Family? They just didn't understand. The Church? It’s far too idealistic to really reach the need.
In this state, I needed to learn that there are more important things than this life on earth. I needed to learn about trust and humility. I need to learn about courage that goes beyond words. I needed to learn that there's Someone who will never turn aside, no matter how messed up you are.
I heard a voice, but I ignored it at first, lost in self-pity. But here's what it said. "Don’t let this moment pass. Don't waste the brokenness."
My response hasn't always been the right one. I cursed the night. I withdrew. I blamed. But, I am learning, slowly, that brokenness is not a curse. It's a blessing.
I'll never forget that day when the wheels came off my shiny car speeding down the freeway to happiness. Standing on the side of the road, alone, all of my successes suddenly were empty, hollow. Nothing really mattered -- except what mattered.
Friends? Most just dropped away in silence, not knowing what to say. Family? They just didn't understand. The Church? It’s far too idealistic to really reach the need. In this state, I needed to learn that there are more important things than this life on earth. I needed to learn about trust and humility. I need to learn about courage that goes beyond words. I needed to learn that there's Someone who will never turn aside, no matter how messed up you are.
I heard a voice, but I ignored it at first, lost in self-pity. But here's what it said. "Don’t let this moment pass. Don't waste the brokenness."
The Red Letter Believer is already a marked man or woman. Others are watching, waiting to see the reaction. They already know about your moral life, conquering the temptations and the evils that sprout around you. But just how will you act when it’s all taken away in a Job-like moment? Will you blame others? Will you change yourself? Will you fold? Will you "curse God and die?"“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
-- Ps 34:18
My response hasn't always been the right one. I cursed the night. I withdrew. I blamed. But, I am learning, slowly, that brokenness is not a curse. It's a blessing.
“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts…”
Romans 5:3
How about you? You can comment here.
14 comments so far - add yours here:
David, this little piece is just excellent. It's just like our God to use the lowest moments in life to help us understand the things we need to learn most. When we are emotionally weak, he becomes strong. When we fail, he delievers success.
Brad
"I need to learn about courage that goes beyond words. I needed to learn that there's Someone who will never turn aside, no matter how messed up you are."
Amen and AMEN to this very good news! I pray that more of us would truly catch this revelation.
He loves us, now and always.
Fantastic post today.
Not afraid of the 'inward parts' being examined, known - that's called abandoned to God. Holiness comes from this.
Yes, I agree. Staying in a place that is uncomfortable, that is riddled with uncertainty and pain requires God's great mercy and strength.
Keep looking up, that is my only solace, my only hope. May God have mercy on and bring perspective to those who look Up...
Love this post, is so timely for me... Jodi
Such a timely message for me. Thanks David.
God bless those who look Up, God bless those who look Up even when, even though...
Jodi
While most of us are trying to claw our way out of the brokenness, you're doing your best not to waste it.
That's huge.
Wow. I learned much from you today, brother David.
What Kathleen said. And Jennifer.
Just listening here today.
Thank you and AMEN
Very encouraging, thank you!
I'm reminded of what the apostle Paul said about being beat up and battered, but not without hope. He acknowledged the reality of how truly awful things were, but knew where he was going, what it would cost, and Who was calling him onward. That's the key, isn't it, following that beautiful voice that refuses to let us go?
You've given me much to ponder in mind and heart and soul. It was no accident that I visited Glenn's blog and was directed here. Thank you for allowing yourself to be God's messenger.
wow... i am so glad to have 'met' you friend. i love this post, this call to not waste the brokenness: the gift of spirit-poverty. bless you.
Right on. A wise man once told me: "God doesn't waste a hurt." Visiting from Emily's.
Don't waste the brokenness."
I've come to a similar conclusion this week, that this broken place I am in is His place, where He wants me. Him for me and through me.
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