“Brokenness” as a term has become common in its usage, a lot more in the secular world. The world has begun to take pride in it and is looking for acceptance and healing in the wrong places. The usage “proud of my scars” has come to be tossed around, making way to defiance of the authority of the Bible. The term sounds good to the ears, but it means that I am proud of my people and my sins and hence, do not need a Savior.
In The Beautitudes, the Lord has called us to be broken so that He can fill us.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
I (Maya) can speak of being poor in spirit and in a state of mourning, after I received my diagnosis. The doctors mentioned that it’s going to be a lifetime of suffering. But being in Christ, has worked out so differently for me. He takes us through valleys for us to look up to see Him glorified. We, as His children, need to realize that He will always be glorified through our brokenness.
We do not understand why trials are necessary in our lives, in fact most of us cower during trials and wonder why we weren’t grateful enough during the “good times.” But Psalm 66:10-12 says,
“For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.”
Yes, please read that again, and remember these verses when you lean on your own righteousness and works to justify your suffering. A place where our cup overflows! Here, it’s a cup that overflows into another’s life. It is cup which never goes empty, if you always seek to be plugged to Christ.
Maya and Donald Thampy are members of GRC and collaborated on this article. She serves on the Missions Team and he is a Ruling Elder.