December 9, 2008
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Always learning…
…about life, about God, about relationships…
It seems like there are times in life when I think I know something about a particular subject, or character quality. I usually think those thoughts at times when life is going as smooth as can be, no bumps in the road. But hand me a painful situation and I realize I am in kindergarten when it comes to knowing about how to respond.
There have been some difficult situations in my life the past little while, and the following writing has spoken to me and ministered to me. When I read it several years ago, I didn’t agree and it made me mad. Now I read it again and something in my heart knows the Truth that is spoken in it. I am greatly comforted by the realization that Jesus has been through whatever pain I am experiencing, to a much greater degree than I have, and understands me and my heart. There is something so healing about knowing that He can relate…
So without any further comment, I simply type the words that were written by Mr. John Collinson.
BROKENNESS
“Sometimes it is asked what we mean by brokenness. Brokenness is not easy to define but can be clearly seen in the reactions of Jesus, especially as He approached the cross and in His crucifixion. I think it can be applied personally in this way:
WHEN to do the will of God means that even my Christian brethren will not understand, and I remember that “Neither did His brethren believe in Him” (John 7:5), and I bow my head to obey and accept the misunderstanding, THIS IS BROKENNESS.
WHEN I am misrepresented or deliberately misinterpreted, and I remember that Jesus was falsely accused but He “held His peace,” and I bow my head to accept the accusation without trying to justify myself, THIS IS BORKENNESS.
WHEN another is preferred before me and I am deliberately passed over, and I remember that they cried, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas” (Luke 23:18), and I bow my head and accept rejection, THIS IS BROKENNESS.
WHEN my plans are brushed aside and I see the work of years brought to ruins by the ambitions of others and I remember that Jesus allowed them to lead Him away to crucify Him (Matthew 27:31) and He accepted that place of failure, and I bow my head and accept the injustice without bitterness, THIS IS BROKENNESS.
WHEN in order to be right with God it is necessary to take the humbling path of confession and restitution, and I remember that Jesus “made Himself of no reputation” and “humbled Himself… unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil. 2:8), and I bow my head and am ready to accept the shame of exposure, THIS IS BROKENNESS.
WHEN others take unfair advantage of my being a Christian and treat my belongings as public property, and I remember “they stripped Him… and parted His garments, casting lots” (Matt. 27:28, 35), and I bow my head and accept “joyfully the spoiling of my goods” for His sake, THIS IS BROKENNESS.
WHEN one acts toward me in an unforgivable way, and I remember that when He was crucified Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34), and I bow my head and accept any behavior towards me as permitted by my loving Father, THIS IS BROKENNESS.
WHEN people expect the impossible of me and more than time or human strength can give, and I remember that Jesus said, “This is My body which is given for you…” (Luke 22:19), and I repent of my self-indulgence and lack of self-giving for others, THIS IS BROKENNESS.”
Comments (8)
THAT was really powerful! So very applicable to my life right now; so many times in my life, I find that pride is the cause of my own demise, or getting in the way of what God has for me….. thanks for sharing, and blessings upon you as you journey thru the tough times…
btw…is this from a book he has?
Rachel
Wow! I really appreciate you sharing that. And may you continue to find the sweetness of Christ real in the things that come your way. I’ve been quiet, but you’ve been much on my mind the past weeks. ~Dorcas
looking forward to seeing you too. have you heard anything from Ruth? are we all getting together at some point while you guys are here? call me sometime. did you get my message about the package? i just LOVE the blanket. THANK you so much. so incredibly thoughtful.
This is soo good! I think I need to print it! Thanks for sharing it, and may God fill you with much peace in those painful situations
So, so true. For some reason, we have a hard time wrapping our minds and actions around how God-fearing we should be and get all tangled up in the way we relate to people around us. We care more for the opinion of others than the will of our Father. I’m there right now…feels like a “breaking” time in my life. But I’m finding it joy to release expectations and fall into grace with Jesus. Blessings…
Yeah, this was a good read, but I found myself hurting for you as I read it…
i love you, you know. a whole, whole lot. can you come home soon before i die from the length of your absence? and it really is about time we talked again, dontcha think?
i know what you mean about this making you *mad* the first time you read it . . . i’ve felt the same way about it on a number of occasions. just doesn’t seem right that these things are along the road of brokenness and becoming more like Christ. isn’t there any other–more comfortable–way? praying for and thinking of you much lately.