We are a broken people, am I right?
Each of us come from various backgrounds and upbringings that shape our character and struggles. We have been broken by others, broken by this world and are undeniably broken at the core of our being. For the Christian, we may have trouble reconciling with the “whys” of our heartbreaks.
Why did God allow that?
Why do I struggle against this sin?
Why won’t he just take this pain away?
I myself have wrestled (and sometimes still do) with these very questions. At times they have come from my lips in a humble request for understanding. But many times, my “why” has been spoken with tears on my cheeks and anger in my heart.
In my walk with the Lord, I have learned that he uses our brokenness in stunning ways. He does this not only in our own life, but also in the lives of others and to show the world his Gospel story.
Broken by Others and the World
Many of you have had a rough life. Whether your childhood was filled with sorrow or you’ve constantly faced trials in adulthood, I know there are some out there with scars deeper than the Grand Canyon. Did you know that not only can God heal your heart, but he can also use the tragedies of your life for good? That he will use them for good? I know because my life has been an example of that. You can read a portion of my story here.
Because of sin, we will experience pain and loss. It’s inevitable. People will hurt us.
Sometimes, in very grievous ways. God never promised that our lives would be easy, but if we are his, he does promise to use our pain for our good and his glory.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)
One of the biggest ways a Christian can share the Gospel is through sharing their story. The believer’s testimony of what God has done in their life is necessary to spread the good news.
When a person has every “earthly right” to hold onto bitterness against the person who abused them, and yet stands willing and ready to forgive that person, a light is shone on Christ. When a child grows up in the foster system and experiences heartbreak after heartbreak and then uses their adult life to care for orphans, God is seen.
When the Son of God willingly walks the road to Calvary carrying the cross we deserve and dies a horrible death on our behalf “while we were still sinners”(Romans 5:8) and then is raised to life, the Gospel is victorious.
You see, oftentimes it is through great suffering that God produces life abundant.
Your testimony, your childhood, your experiences will be used to glorify him and encourage others. Allow God to use your life to bring hope to his people.
Not only that, but 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 through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5 ESV)
