Better Because of the Breaking

Most things are broken for the purpose of destruction. I had the opportunity to travel throughout some of the theaters of war in Europe. A half a century later you could still sense the heavy oppression. I was amazed that fifty years following World War II, many of the building were still standing in ruins. The destruction was devastating to those that were forced to endure it. Destruction is motivated by hate, greed and a thirst for power. It is demonic! Jesus said that “The thief comes for no other purpose but to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10)

Breaking things has a positive purpose as well. A wall is broken down to make more room in a house. A road is dug up to make to widen it into a boulevard. A face undergoes cosmetic surgery to remove unsightly characteristics in a make-over. Shepherds have been known to break the legs of a wayward sheep. This action may seem cruel to the Animal Rights Activists, but it is for the animal’s good. When the legs heal and the sheep is able to prance again, it will be cured of its wayward nature. Many sheep have been lost to predatory animals because they wonder off into oblivion doing their own thing. The analogy is clear. God breaks things for His Divine purpose and for our own good. He does not break things for the purpose of destruction but for reconstruction. The end result is always for the better.

Do you feel like you have been bruised, bent, broken and burnt out and that your usefulness had ended? Has the enemy led you to believe the lie that God has abandoned you and there is no further need for your life? However painful your breaking may be, it is not for your destruction. Matthew quotes Isaiah 42:3 when he said of Jesus, “A bruised reed shall he not break and smoking flax shall he not quench ….” (Matthew 12:20) Reeds grew in abundance near the water’s edge. Children made flutes from the hollow stems. Should one become damaged it was thrown away and another reed was picked. There were plenty available. Flax was shredded into hair-like clusters. The small bunch was placed in a dish filled with oil. As a floating wick it burned brightly to give light to the entire room. When it began to smoke it was discarded and replaced with a new flax wick. There were plenty of wicks available. The CEV translation reads “He won't break off a bent reed or put out a dying flame …” Regardless of your brokenness, know that God will never cast you off. He is remolding you into a useful instrument.

So you have been broken? You have not been “smashed” for your destruction. The enemy will try to get your mind to think that. Perhaps your breaking is by God’s design. It is for your benefit and His glory. Paul knew that well. Listen to his testimony: “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) Have the confidence that you will make music again!

“Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me! Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me! Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me! Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me. “ - Daniel Iverson (Moody Bible Institute © 1935)

WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!