Sweet Voice of Joy

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Broken Is Better

 

Broken Is Better

2 Corinthians 4: 7 says, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the Excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."

Have you ever wondered, that God often breaks us too before we become His instrument? Broken is actually better. God had to break Joseph's pride and sense of entitlement as the favorite son before he became Pharoah's second in command.
God also briefly blinded and broke Paul from being self-righteous and self-sufficient before he became an effective worker of God. . In God's economy broken is better, because, in our brokenness, God manifests his power to make whole again.

A person who is overconfident, when he does something good, he will think it is because of his efficiency and ability.
But when a broken person accomplishes something, he is quick to realize that it's not because of him but because of the power of God at work in him.

2 Corinthians 4: 7 says, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the Excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."

What parts of our lives should be broken?

 Pride.

Pride is a great barrier to true service to God and to others. It would be very difficult to serve others if you are proud. There are many things you will not do when you are proud.
You will not listen to others, because in your mind, only you are right.
You will not apologize when you hurt the feelings of others, because what the proud person has in mind, he does not have the problem but others.
Proverbs 3:34 says, "He has no use for conceited people, but shows favor to those who are humble."

 Feeling of self-sufficiency.

It is also good to break the mind and feel that we do not need the help of God or anyone else.

When you think that you are self-sufficient, you are not giving space to God's grace to flow into your work and life. Being overly dependent on people is not healthy.
Isn't it the goal of parents to make their children independent, so that when they grow up they can stand on their own two feet?
But to God it is different. He wants us to exercise daily dependence on Him. To break free from that mindset and feeling of self-sufficiency, trust, and depend on the Lord.

Fears and insecurities.
Another thing that should break us is our insecurities and fears in life.
Fear will shrink your world and it will be a great obstacle for you to discover the abilities God has given you. You don't want to learn to drive because you are afraid of a collision. You do not want to take a plane because you are afraid it will crash. You also do not want to board a ship and it may sink.
If you will let your fears overcome you, you will lose many opportunities.
Instead of looking at what you cannot do, trust in God's unlimited power and ability. With full confidence in God, the Apostle Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).

Remember, broken is better

When God breaks you from pride, self-sufficiency, fears, and insecurities, it is difficult and painful. But it is a necessary process for us to grow and mature in life.

When we are truly broken, we can experience the breakthrough. The breakthrough means that we are completely forgiven and cleansed from our sins. It means that we have a renewed vigor of hope and purpose to drive our day. A breakthrough represents a life free from regret, guilt, or shame of past mistakes. The Lord uses everything that was meant to destroy us, divide relationships, and demean our inner spirit—for our good. We have a future driven by thankfulness to God for cleaning us up.

 It’s through brokenness as vessels of God’s glory that He makes us useful to Himself.

 
“LORD, thank You for the privilege of representing You to those around us this day. Make Your treasure shine out through these jars of clay so others might find Your love today. Right now, I humble myself under your hand seeking grace and mercy to go from my breakdown to my breakthrough in Jesus Christ. Amen.