The story of life begins with brokenness, yet that is precisely the beauty of it.
We will always look at ourselves and find imperfections. Whether its the lumps and bumps around the waist, the odd facial feature, or the lack of character or skills we possess. It's so hard to face reality with optimism when oftentimes reality is disappointing. The hustle and bustle of the world demands so much of our time and it can be so consuming that we lose sight of our identity and purpose. The world today reminds me of Max Lucado's 'Punchinello: You Are Special' book. Society defines who we are by what we do. Have you nailed the dream job? Great, gold star for you. Have you found your one true love? Lucky you, gold star. Oh no, you're stressed out and your plans are failing? Black dot. "You're walking out of God's will if you leave!" Black dot. Replace the stars with like and heart buttons and you'll see what I mean. Over time, the black dots and gold stars pile up - for some, there are more dots than stars - and we become lost. We only see our work - an idol of selfish ambition and false identity. This is brokenness. Since when did what we do become the basis for who we are? I'll tell you:
“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Genesis 3:4-7
Ah, yes. The Fall was the beginning of a broken world. The enemy's deception caused man to know shame and ultimately, good and evil. So, if you're still looking for a pain-free life, I am sorry to tell you this but there isn't one.
The pain and brokenness we experience in this life create calloused hearts - hard with bitterness, rejection, and sorrow. That's the purpose of evil right? It removes us from the shelter of love and belonging and spirals us out in sinful ways, leaving us feeling more alone and unloved than before. The human race has used this to build empires for themselves, where they are the judge, scrutinising each step they and others make, trying to play God.
Unfortunately, even Christians today tend to slip into this judging seat, except we try to become the ' fixers' and the 'Martha's' of the world, still stuck in the trap of doing.
Friend, if we are so eager to fix the imperfect, will we not miss the beauty found in imperfection?
God's love is so merciful, good and unconditional, that He reaches the broken and ugly parts of us and loves us there. He says we are special. Shall we believe it?
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3
When Jesus died on the Cross, it was a picture of total wrath, suffering, pain, shame, and death. He hung naked - a vivid image of man's brokenness. However, the reason behind that image is beautiful and life-changing. God has chosen to bring beauty from ashes; life from death; healing from suffering; and glory from shame. He exalts the humble, humbles the proud, comforts the mourning, and forgives the guilty. (read Isaiah 61)
This is the love of God. A paradox of total righteousness where love is broken and beautiful at the same time. Where Christ's death is glorious, and His resurrection evidence of love.
If I can't believe that I am special, do I know God's love?
Where there is imperfection, there is Christ.
Where there are flaws, there is Christ.
Where there is ugliness and shame, there is Christ.
Where there is lack, there is Christ.
In the beginning, the Earth was formless, empty, and dark. Until God spoke and what was purposeless became a life-giving, breathing, and beautiful planet full of wonder and awe... and then in His image, He made you. God has demonstrated His deep and zealous love for you and I over and over again, and at His cost! With His arms stretched wide and His head hung low, He received our brokenness and became broken. Yet it was by His brokenness that reversed the curse of this world. That image is an embrace of His love where new life and wholeness is offered - a gift that is undeserved.
The thing about brokenness and beauty, is that one cannot exist without the other. I've come to learn that. A godly life doesn't come easy, it comes at a cost. But this cost cannot compare to the glory revealed to us later. A faith walk is never done alone - God promises to never leave or forsake us. A Christ-like walk requires carrying a broken way that is a finished work- an empty cross that is a reminder of the death and resurrection of Christ. A Christ-like walk is a grace walk - a restful one, a surrendered one, a lowly one.
So as I look to Jesus Whose arms are stretched out wide and Whose life points upwards, I receive His love that calls me His.
Where there is healing, there is Christ.
Where there is hope, there is Christ.
Where there is belonging, there is Christ.
Where there is rest, there is Christ.
Where there is love, there is Christ.
The broken way is the narrow way leading us to the arms of Jesus. As Christ became one with our brokenness, He paved the way for us to become one with Him.
Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-3
As broken people with broken pasts and uncertain futures, I would like to encourage you with the complete joy found in today where Christ meets us as we are. I pray that you will rebuke every false label you believe about yourself and replace it with the gracious words of our truthful and loving God. Because God doesn't make mistakes. Friend, you are special. It's up to you to believe it.
Seek the Lord while He may be found; call to Him while He is near. Let the wicked one abandon His way and the sinful one His thoughts; let Him return to the Lord, so He may have compassion on Him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive. Isaiah 55:6-7
Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not fade; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will be over. Isaiah 60:20
Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:44-48
Comments