21 August 2007
The Single Greatest Factor — continued
Part 2
Brokenness
Brokenness? Are you serious, pastor Rob? How can brokenness be the single greatest factor for ANYTHING?! I mean, if you’re broken, then you are, well, not fixed.
True, true.
But let me challenge the notion that human perfection and having it all together is what we ought to always strive for.
Fist of all, wouldn’t you agree that any undertaking with God by your side would have better results than that same undertaking all by your lonesome.
Right?
I mean, can we all agree with that?
Good.
Now, what’s the opposite of an attitude of needing help, serving others, cheering on a friend, and deflecting praise?
Easy.
…an, ‘I don’t need anyone,’ serve me, applaud me, praise me, attitude.
The Bible has a word for this second attitude. The word is, pride.
Here is what scripture says about it.
Not enough for ya? Then read here, here, and here.
Still not enough? Then I can’t help you. But for the rest of you who are convinced, keep reading.
We know clearly from God’s Word that the Lord is against pride and prideful people. I don’t know about you, but me, I
sure don’t want God on the opposing team from me! So, what I want to know (and you should too) is, what kind of attitude is the kind that gains God’s support?
Glad you asked, here it is…
Brokenness
Yep, there’s that word again. Oh, and if it bugs you now, wait till you’re actually broken! Brokenness is no fun.
None whatsoever.
Zip.
Zilch.
Nada.
It hurts. It crushes. It brings tears and pain in the deepest part of your soul. In short, you will feel like you can’t go on, like you haven’t the strength to place one foot in front of the other on your own.
Know why?
You’re broke.
And I don’t mean, ‘financially challenged.’
I’m talking Humpty Dumpty with all his walls down, The Terminator in the pool of hot, molten led, the Castaway alone on an island, etc. Unless someone with superpowers comes along, you’re toast! You are past the point of self diagnosis.
past the point of self help,
self repair,
do it yourself fixes…
You need God.
Now here’s the good news. If you’re truly broken, he’ll show up.
He always does.
Read about it here.
Then, start asking God to break you.
I know. I know. Believe me I know.
Ask anyway.
3 Comments currently posted.
mike mccoy says:
Steve and Janie says:
It’s really through brokeness that we learn the best lessons. We remember being broken, we remember the emotions that are associated with being in a broken state. It’s then, that we can look back and see that we had to be in that “pit” that dark place, in order to hear God. At times, we NEED to be broken in order to be built back up by our Father. It’s spiritual growth.
We’re greatful for the way you explained brokeness. We pray for brokeness for some of our prideful family members. Sometimes, it just has to be that way.
And isn’t it wonderful that God DOES meet us in that place? He will never leave us, He will never abandon us!
Bob says:
I couldn’t agree more Rob.Several years ago I started asking God to do whatever it took to make me into the man he wanted me to be, a man that he could use.I said whatever it took and sincerely meant it.A pretty scary prayer I must admit.Well God answered that request. Funny how God works , Although I asked God to do that I actually had no idea what was going on.What happened was I got depressed.I’m not talking about a mood that lasted a few days. I’m talking about a depression that lasted about a year.The most miserable time of my life by far.Looking back now I see now what God was doing.He was getting rid of my pride,And He knew just how to do it,As difficult as that time was ,I wouldn’t trade it for anything .God showed up when He was ready and lifted my depression.And I’m forever changed because of it .What you’re saying is so true.I challenge anyone to ask God to do whatever it takes . To break them.It won’t be much fun .But you,ll be forever changed
the times when i have been the furthest from comfort or peace in my circumstances (i.e. everything is REALLY messed up) have been the times that I have been closest to the Lord. My family offers our prayers and encouragement to the families at southbrook that are hurting this week….