It has been said that “Brokenness is often the road to breakthrough.” When you and I suffer, we can be assured of two things. First and foremost, God knows what we are experiencing, and as He redeems every situation we will be changed forever. Paul writes to the Christians in Rome, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified” (Romans 8:28–30). Never freak out, for our future is glorious and sure in Christ.
It’s also important to remember that when we face challenges in life, we can always find comfort in understanding them through the context of God’s love for us and the incredible future that awaits us! Just a little earlier, Paul shares a beautiful thought: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Our glorious future is also secure in Christ. (See Philippians 1:6)
Our loving God also can redeem even the painful suffering we sometimes create for ourselves through our own selfish desires, unwise choices, or wrongdoings. Because God cares for us deeply, He uses every moment in our lives for His glory and our ultimate good. His divine purpose is assured; as we remain faithful to Him, He guides us toward a place of mature faith, even through our challenges. As James beautifully writes, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect [mature] and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2–4). Difficulties make us stronger and more mature in our walk with God. So don’t despise the broken road. Humbly embrace the lesson and keep moving.
Remember, Paul also said, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will, of the flesh, reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will, of the Spirit, reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7–8). The rub is sometimes what we suffer from in our own hands. We’ll pick things up here next time. But this week, take a moment to pause and ask God to teach you along the broken road.
Last time, we were looking at how our Great and Awesome God meets us along the broken road. He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28–30). That is not to say that all things that happen are good. Because of His love, God does not abandon us in our grief and trials. He keeps working out the glorious end that awaits us in the coming kingdom (Romans 8:18). God redeems all the hard stuff that helps us to have a tested faith, which makes us mature in Jesus (James 1:2–4). Honestly, if it does not kill you, it makes you stronger. Just saying.
However, sometimes, the difficulties we face on our journey may arise from our choices. So, does that mean we are on our own in those times? Not at all. God can always turn things those things around, too. However, two things would be wise for our consideration. First is confession, and the second is repentance. Now, we must remember that confession is not always about sin. We can confess our thankfulness, praise, loyalty, and love for God. We also confess our need for God’s help and provision.
However, as John writes, we must also acknowledge and confess our sins. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:8–10). Confession of our problem is most definitely preferred to complaining.
Here is the biblical reality: when we make a mess of things, we must clean up our mess. Therefore, a moment or two of self-examination when the wheel comes off the bus, so to speak, is not only needed and healthy, it is Biblical. Paul writes, “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have to rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load” (Galatians 6:4–5). We will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7–10), and we often need God’s rescue when things go badly. No matter how badly we may mess things up, God will work it out for our good. Although we may have some painful consequences.
That does not mean God does not love us. On the contrary, our deeply loving God can also redeem even the painful suffering we sometimes create for ourselves through our selfish desires, unwise choices, or wrongdoings. But even in those challenging moments of feeling lost and hopeless, we can always turn to Him for divine help. So this week, take time to do some self-examination and ask God for help.
When you think about resurrection, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Jesus? An empty tomb? Well, I sure hope so. For our Creator God is the God of the resurrection. In some ways, He has given us beautiful natural examples of new life and resurrection in creation. Of course, those living in Idaho experience one in the changing of our seasons. Spring feels and looks like new life after winter’s cold, dark days. We even look forward to it as we should the hope of our future resurrection.
Jesus also gave us an example of resurrection when He said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 12:24). He goes on to explain that those who lose their lives for His kingdom “now” will actually enter into a resurrection life of sorts in this in-between as we wait for the “not yet” kingdom (See Ephesians 2:1-10).
Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Picking up our cross daily is a way of saying we die to our selfish ambition and live with freedom from sin and love of this world
(1 John 2:15-17). You and I are to live in the tension between two worlds, affecting gospel change where we are while we wait for Jesus. We become transforming agents through the gospel message.
Therefore, when our lives get messed up, God ultimately transforms our ashes into His beautiful purpose for the sake of others (Isaiah 61:3). You do not live in a vacuum. But it is important to note that God can do more than help us in our sufferings. He equips us to help others. Our brokenness can often lead to breakthroughs for those who witness our divine rescue. Redeemed marriages, families, children, and relationships; changed lives and attitudes are a witness of the transformational message of the gospel.
In 2 Corinthians 1:3–5, we read, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.” Sometimes, the fiery trial in our lives is for someone else’s benefit. Therefore, do not lose heart. Keep seeking to live a gospel-centered life even when things are difficult.