Broken

Right now I'm watching Titanic (my first time EVER). The unsinkable boat sunk. Things and people break no matter how strong they are. Simple right? I just got in a car accident a couple nights ago. My car is ugly, crushed, and broken. Right now severe flooding threatens Bangkok. People's lives are wrecked, destroyed, and devastated.

John 16:33 says," These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world". Our story doesn't end in our tribulations. Because of God's grace, we have more than our brokeness. God has redeemed our ugly and devastated lives. His goodness transcends all circumstances. Looking at my distorted car reminds me of what I am. I am broken and unworthy. But my worth doesn't come from my outer appearance. My car still runs despite its seemingly worthless exterior and I find value in it. Because of God's grace, I have worth despite my failures and ugly sinfulness. But I only exist and breath because of Him. On my own, I can't make myself beautiful and worthy just as my car can't fix itself.

But there is beauty in acknowledging and embracing our brokeness. Not hiding it or attempting to cover it because we want to look perfect. When we see our utter unworthiness, only then, can we also be aware of our complete reliance on God's perfect grace to give us value and redemption. Exposing our imperfections brings God glory. It displays His grace in our complete inadequacy. Grace. You did nothing to earn it. Let's stop pretending to be perfect and mask our broken pieces because what that's really saying is, "I'm whole. I'm beautiful. I'm self-sufficient. I don't need God." When we show our broken pieces and how we are nothing, we are ugly, and we are absolutely dependent we are also showing the redemptive grace of an all mighty God. We should rejoice in our broken pieces rather than hiding them in shame, bringing God glory and not ourselves.

Isaiah 43:1-4 says,

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place.
Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you."

The writer is speaking of God's relationship with Israel but we too, through Christ, can be adopted into God's family and be redeemed as Israel was. God doesn't offer a "good life" without hardships and heartaches but He does promise to be faithful, good, and merciful. God never fails no matter what our circumstances may be.