We don’t have to look far to see people’s brokenness, often in our own homes.
I had an antique stained-glass window broken during flood cleanup. I couldn’t bring myself to throw it out, so I put it away until I was ready to deal with it. At this moment, someone has cut off the sharp edges, it has been mounted on a board to protect from further damage, and an artist is writing the names of my grandchildren on it for display in the same spot it hung as a decorative window.
If you have ever cleaned up broken glass, you understand it is a hazardous task. In most cases, a person would carefully discard it, but not all shattered glass is meant to be thrown out.
Some broken things are precious to us, just as broken and shattered people are precious to God—as He showed to Jeremiah through his visit to the potter’s house.
Most broken people know they are broken—and often believe they have been so spoiled that they are of no use to God. What’s the point of even trying? We don’t have to throw them away. Condemnation has already done that and keeps them from rising up and trying again (Proverbs 24:16).
But God sees usefulness in each of us, and the gifts and purposes He gives are irrevocable. Broken or not, He will repurpose us for His glory.
An unbroken glass is beautiful and reflects light clearly, but one that is broken and repurposed reflects light in entirely different ways. The cracks and edges divert light into dissimilar places just as rocks in a stream deter water.
Perhaps you know a broken soul. Maybe it’s you. God is not finished with you. In fact, now that you are in pieces, you can become that vessel for His special purpose.
Don’t let brokenness spoil your work for God.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
As a Christian woman, Renee Hymel feels strongly about encouraging others. She believes we are called to encourage each other as we ourselves have been encouraged. Renee has the opportunity to spend much time alone with the Lord and has reaped encouragement from Him which she passes on to others. She believes every situation in life, good or bad, has a lesson if we remain teachable. Out of these situations come devotions for the benefit of others. Renee is currently in leadership at The Church International and leads the Worldwide Mom’s Day of Prayer ministry along with a ladies life group. Regardless of the title or position, she believes she is called to build, equip, and encourage others in their walk with the Lord.