The Blessing of Brokenness
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain; And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
Isaiah 57:13–15
By nature we want to be lifted up. It has been that way ever since the Fall of man. We want to be admired and respected and self-sufficient. But while we certainly should live in a way that is respectable, if our focus and motivation is the praise and applause of men, we will forfeit the power and blessing of God. “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).
When we reach the end of ourselves, we have the opportunity to go to Him in humility and seek His grace and help. Andrew Murray said, “Just as water ever seeks and fills the lowest place, so the moment God finds you abased and empty, His glory and power flow in.” The things that create empty places in our lives (defeats, disappointments, and brokenness) are an enormous opportunity if we use them properly.
Sometimes people respond with anger or bitterness, but othertimes they turn to God. It is in those moments when we are least filled with self that we can see His power fully revealed. Scripture and church history are filled with people who did great things for God in the midst of great pain and hardship because they remained faithful.
Isaiah 57:13–15
By nature we want to be lifted up. It has been that way ever since the Fall of man. We want to be admired and respected and self-sufficient. But while we certainly should live in a way that is respectable, if our focus and motivation is the praise and applause of men, we will forfeit the power and blessing of God. “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).
When we reach the end of ourselves, we have the opportunity to go to Him in humility and seek His grace and help. Andrew Murray said, “Just as water ever seeks and fills the lowest place, so the moment God finds you abased and empty, His glory and power flow in.” The things that create empty places in our lives (defeats, disappointments, and brokenness) are an enormous opportunity if we use them properly.
Sometimes people respond with anger or bitterness, but othertimes they turn to God. It is in those moments when we are least filled with self that we can see His power fully revealed. Scripture and church history are filled with people who did great things for God in the midst of great pain and hardship because they remained faithful.
Today’s Growth Principle:
We must be emptied of self before we can be filled with God’s grace and power.
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