Brokenness

[vinc]

Brokenness

Sometimes it is asked what we mean by brokenness. Brokenness is not easy to define but can be clearly seen in the reactions of Jesus, especially as He approached the cross and in his crucifixion.

When, to do the will of God means that even my Christian brothers will not understand, and I remember that, "Neither did His brethren believe in Him" (John 7:5), and I bow my head to obey and accept the misunderstanding, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

When I am misrepresented or deliberately misinterpreted, and I remember that Jesus was falsely accused but He kept quiet, and I bow my head to accept the accusation without trying to justify myself, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

When another is preferred beore me and I am deliberately passed over, and I remember that they cried. "Away with this man and release unto us Barabbas" (Luke 23:18) and I bow my head and accept rejection, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

When my plans are brushed aside and I see the work of years brought to ruins by the ambitions of others and I remember that Jesus allowed them to lead Him away to crucify Him (Matthews 27:31), and He accepted that place of failure and I bow my head and accept the injustice without bitterness. THIS IS BROKENNESS.

When in order to be right with God it is necessary to take the humbling path of confession and restitution and I remember that Jesus emptied Himself and humbled Himself unto the death of the cross (Philemon 2:8) and I bow my head and am ready to accept the shame of exposure, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

When others take unfair advantage of my being a Christian and treat my belongings as public property, and I remember that they stripped Him and parted His garments casting lots (Matthews 27:28, 35), and I bow my head and accept joyfully the spoiling of my goods (Hebrews 10:34) for His sake, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

When one acts towards me in an unforgivable way and I remember that when He was crucified Jesus prayed. "Father forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34) and I bow my head and accept any behaviour towards me as permitted by my loving Father, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

When people expect the impossible of me, more than time or human strength can give and I remember that Jesus said. "This is my body which is given for you" (Luke 22:19), and I repent of my self-indulgence and lack of self-giving for others, THIS IS BROKENNESS.

- Author Unknown

 

[Maharg]

Thank you for posting this. I am struggling at the moment with feeling bitter and angry about mistreatment by others. I don't think I know how to begin to forgive. I do know, however, that when I feel saddened by it and submit to what happened, trusting in God, it is better than the bitter, angry resentment. I want to respond to things like Jesus did - and submit to them. Brokenness is better than wishing things worked out differently or trying to get justice for yourself.

However, I feel such shame when I remember what was done to me and how I reacted at the time. Jesus was without sin and yet suffered. He truly suffered for God. When I have suffered, it has not all been for God's glory. Sometimes it is because I messed up. This is the bit I struggle with. If I had suffered solely for spreading God's word and doing good, maybe I would feel better. But part of what I suffered for was other people's hatred of my less good character traits: anxiety, insecurity, need for approval. So I cannot say I suffered all for Christ's sake. So what do I do with the suffering I received from others for my sins? I'm not righteous. I did lots of stuff wrong. And I feel such shame for how I behaved, how I let Jesus down by not being a good witness. I don't know where I go from here. I want to serve God faithfully. I want to be Jesus to people, to reflect God's love. So where do I start?

(Sorry, lots of rhetorical questions, but do comment if you feel you can)

 

[Pilgrim1951]

Maharg, the enemy is using you for a tennis ball, slamming you back and forth on the court. If we weren't going to mess up, we wouldn't need a Savior. There is nothing inherently good in any of us, that's why we need Jesus. He's the only one who can take away our shame. Many of us who have battles with fear, anxiety, insecurity, and the need for others' approval, sometimes, no almost always, feel shameful for feeling shame. There are reasons for our insecurities, most of time they go back to childhood. Sometimes it seems hopeless, especially when other Christians condemn our behavior. But, the good news is that Jesus knows everything in your heart. He knows everything you feel, every hurt, every fear. In fact, He knew about it before you did. And guess what? He still loves you. He loved you before you loved Him. Don't try to fight your own battles. Take everything to Him and hand them to Him one by one. He bought salvation for the world, do you think your stuff is harder than that? But when you take these things to Him, be patient. Healing fear, memories and all of those painful things, take time to work through. I will be praying for you.

Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

 

[heartnsoul]

Wonderful post Vinc! It is important for all of us to be reminded often what Christ did for us and how much he loved us. His brokenness is an example of the humility he showed and the strength and obedience to His father's will. Enduring defeat may be viewed by the world as *weak*. However, as Christians, we all know that the strength lies in knowing the awesome power of God. So even if we may lose some of life's little battles...ultimately we have *already* won the war because, after all, if we are for God, who can be against us? Praise the almighty Lord for His sacrifice and gift to us.

 

[heartnsoul]

Thank you for posting this. I am struggling at the moment with feeling bitter and angry about mistreatment by others. I don't think I know how to begin to forgive. I do know, however, that when I feel saddened by it and submit to what happened, trusting in God, it is better than the bitter, angry resentment. I want to respond to things like Jesus did - and submit to them. Brokenness is better than wishing things worked out differently or trying to get justice for yourself.

However, I feel such shame when I remember what was done to me and how I reacted at the time. Jesus was without sin and yet suffered. He truly suffered for God. When I have suffered, it has not all been for God's glory. Sometimes it is because I messed up. This is the bit I struggle with. If I had suffered solely for spreading God's word and doing good, maybe I would feel better. But part of what I suffered for was other people's hatred of my less good character traits: anxiety, insecurity, need for approval. So I cannot say I suffered all for Christ's sake. So what do I do with the suffering I received from others for my sins? I'm not righteous. I did lots of stuff wrong. And I feel such shame for how I behaved, how I let Jesus down by not being a good witness. I don't know where I go from here. I want to serve God faithfully. I want to be Jesus to people, to reflect God's love. So where do I start?

(Sorry, lots of rhetorical questions, but do comment if you feel you can)

Hi Maharg,
All of us fall short in some form or another. Just when we conquer one character flaw, another one pops us and we're left feeling like we will never measure up. But you know what? Like Pilgrim said, God still loves us anyway and it we will never be 100% perfect. The key is to keep persevering in your faith and keep going forward. In time, as you grow in your walk with God, you will eventually be transformed in God's image. It just takes time. Don't be too hard on yourself. Whatever you lack now, be confident in knowing that God will not give up on you. It only be a matter of time, more trials, and more growing pains that you will experience in order so that God will use those situations to help you grow. We all grow that way. If we all were perfect, we wouldn't need God, true? Hardships keeps us humble and keep us close to God's side.

Every time you feel you let God down, just go to God and let Him know you'll try harder and do better next time. That's all any one of us can do. As long as you stay close to God and keep your heart open to Him, you will be blessed with His love and mercy. May you always keep God close to your heart as you grow in Him. God bless you.

 

[Maharg]

Hi folks,

Just wanted to say thank you for the responses to my contribution to this thread. I am struggling through at the moment, and it is always good to have some encouraging words to help me on the journey.

God bless,

maharg

 

[day2day]

I read your post, and it made me think. God loves when believers like yourself, makes a statement like that. It made me look back on my life. Many times I have been broken and everytime Christ has put me back together.