Broken By God

by P. Barrett, of Wembley, U.K. | Category: General | Mar 1983

Peter was broken-hearted. He had disowned his Friend and Master. It had happened just like the Lord said it would. Tears had flowed for what seemed like hours. He felt so low and worthless. Yet God had not forgotten him and was using even this situation for Peter's good.

The Lord Jesus had prayed specially for Peter that his faith would not fail. Was His prayer unanswered? The Lord knew Peter would disown Him-and told him so. But He could say those marvellous words of encouragement "And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."1He knew Peter would come back to his Lord. He knew Peter would stand up bravely on the day of Pentecost, fearlessly proclaiming the resurrection of a death-conquering Messiah to the people. But He also knew Peter would not return unchanged. His profound experience on the night of the trial would enable him to comfort others who felt they were no use for God any more. Broken people are transformed people. In the process pride and self are overthrown and God's ways put first. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, 0 God, you will not despise."2

Hezekiah wept bitterly when Isaiah told him he would die shortly.3 There was a feeling of anger and amazement that God could do such a thing to him. His tears were the tears of a broken man who felt God had no use for him any more. He could describe God's action like a lion breaking all his bones.4 But with this came the realization that God is supreme in all his dealings with men-there are no mistakes with Him. "But what can I say? He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done this ... Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish."5 Such an experience changed the man and made him appreciate that God does work out things for good. The psalmist felt the same way, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees."6

But such experiences do not only change our attitude towards the God who made us, but transform our relationships with others. When Mary broke that bottle of expensive perfume over the Lord's feet "the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume."7 Only through broken disciples can the fragrance of the Lord's presence touch the lives of others. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him."8

There are difficult circumstances in every Christian life, but God works through such times to bring us to a fuller knowledge of Himself and always brings good from each situation.9There is always the promise too that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted1.0"He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us; He has injured us but he will bind up our wounds." As Hosea wrote those words surely he could not help but remember God's goodness to him even in the trying times of his marriage with his wife Gomer, who continually sold herself to other men.

God needs broken vessels in His house today. The cost is tremendous. Let the fragrance of Christ come from our lives today. After all, it is when we are broken that God can use us most.

References

1 Luke 22:32

2 Psa. 51:17

3 Isa. 38:3

4 Isa. 38:13

5 Isa. 38:15,17

6 Psa. 119:71

7 John 12:3

8 2 Cor. 2:14

9 Cf. Gen. 50:20

10 Psa. 34:18

l1 Hos. 6:1