There are several examples of brokenness in the bible, and its purpose is made clear. But it may not be what we would expect..
Many years ago, when I was still young in my faith, I recall praying a very dangerous prayer.
“Lord, I love you, and I want to honor you with my life. I invite you to use me however you deem worthy. I will go wherever you will call me, and do whatever you will ask of me, even if it means that I am broken.”
We’ve all heard the saying, be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it.
Little did I know the weight that my words would carry.
Not long after whispering that heart-felt prayer into the quiet of night, my infant daughter was unexpectedly killed in a tragic car accident.
Broken, I was.
“Then He ordered the crowds to recline on the grass, and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and blessed, and broke the loaves and handed them to the disciples, who gave them to the people.” (Matthew 14:19)
So often, when we are forced to endure hardship, we have a tendency to make our brokenness all about us.
Why me, God? Why did you let this happen? Where were you? Why didn’t you save me? What did I do to deserve this?
Why her? Why him? Why us? Why now?
But maybe, just maybe, these are the wrong types of questions.
I find it so interesting that Jesus first gave thanks and blessed the loaves, before He broke and distributed them.
In order to better comprehend the significance of this, it’s important that we first understand the definition of the word, blessed.
Blessed– to consecrate; to make or declare something sacred. To dedicate to a divine purpose.
When I asked the Lord about the significance of the order in which Jesus did things on that special night, this is what He spoke to my heart:
“It is necessary that the life be blessed (consecrated) first, because a life that is broken without being previously consecrated, remains just that- broken, stale, and empty. But a life that is sanctified, when broken, will then become food for the multitudes.“
I don’t know about you, but I have been broken a time or two in my life.
- I have dealt with ongoing, debilitating illness.
- My body has been defiled at the hands of another.
- I’ve been rejected, betrayed and neglected.
- I’ve been hurt, mocked and shamed.
- I’ve suffered the painful loss of two of my children…
Yes, I know a thing or two about brokenness.
But one thing I have come to understand about my brokenness, is that it is not about me. In fact, the examples of brokenness in the bible, are seldom only about the person experiencing the brokenness, himself.
As followers of Christ we are called to be a blessing to others.
We are called to be the light of the world, a city on a hill, and the salt of the earth.
We are called to live a life that points the way back to Jesus- a light that shines in the darkness for all men to see and glorify God.
But what if the blessing lies in our brokenness?
“Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)
There seems to be a direct correlation between the act of being broken and the production of fruit in our lives.
The bread is broken, and then is multiplied.
I’m not sure we can have one without the other. They appear to go hand in hand.
Br. Curtis Almquist says it so eloquently in his sermon The Feeding of the Multitudes:
“It takes broken soil to produce a crop. Broken clouds to give rain. Broken grain to give bread. Broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter weeping bitterly who returns to greater power than ever.“
Indeed, our brokenness leads to another’s feast.
What’s more is that it is a feast of supernatural proportions- of miraculous provision, and spectacular abundance!
There is nothing left to waste.
Scripture says that after everyone had eaten and was satisfied, the disciples picked up 12 baskets full of broken pieces that were left over.
The very fact that there were leftovers is, in and of itself, nothing short of miraculous.
But what do you suppose they did with those leftovers? I believe they were reserved for later use.
Click the Graphic Below to Download this FREE PDF
Jesus Wastes Nothing
Everything that happens in our life, if given to Him, will be multiplied and distributed for the blessing of others.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)
Consider the the ultimate example of brokenness in the bible- on the night before Jesus died, scripture says that He broke the bread and said, “this is my body which is broken for you.”
His body was broken so that we may live.
If the breaking of Jesus’ body was necessary for the good of all mankind, then wouldn’t it make sense that it be so with us?
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank you that you don’t waste a thing. Everything – every hardship, every heartache, and every tear – You use for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. God, multiply the broken pieces of our lives, and use them to feed the multitudes of people who desperately need You. Amen.
You’ll find this post linked up at Missional Women for their #NotAboutMeNovember series.
Thank you for your transparency and for sharing. It was indeed a pleasure and blessing to read this post. Blessed, broken, then given – it is indeed a difficult process to experience but the glory given to God and the good we receive in the end are certainly worth it!
I agree, Teresa. (Though maybe not in the moment) 😉
So good to connect with you today. 🙂
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This is so so good! Thank you for sharing. Very comforting to take into consideration when we are experiencing trials.
Thank you, Meagan, for your kind words. I really appreciate the warm feedback. 🙂
Oh my goodness, sweet sister. I am so sorry for your losses of your children. Your faithfulness to declare that suffering is for the sake of glorifying God and bringing others to Him is incredible given what you have endured. I had never thought of the Lord’s Supper that way before, in terms of the need for consecration before the breaking of bread. I’ve seen this distribution of grace through brokenness displayed in my life and others, and it is a hard and beautiful thing. Keep praising the Lord through sharing your story – it was a blessing to me.
Thank you Jenn. It IS a hard and beautiful thing- love how you worded that! If in our brokenness, we can see glimpses of how God is using each hardship for His glory, it somehow makes the suffering just a little easier. (Just a little)
Thank you for visiting here today! I am grateful. <3
Yes, it is not about us. Great point that we are asking the wrong questions. I have seen in my own life and the lives of others where their suffering bears great fruit in others, as well as themselves. Our suffering is never wasted if we can keep our eyes on Him. This is hard to remember when in the suffering, but afterwards we see it. Thanks for this post. For sharing your pain so others can learn.
I’m glad about the point you made about suffering bringing fruit in the lives of others AND ourselves! I didn’t touch much on that, in my post, but it is absolutely part of the equation! Yes, we are to be a blessing to others, but it is often through suffering that we are stretched, learn and grow ourselves, and come to know the One who carries us through out struggles. It’s a two-fold blessing!
Thanks for visiting, Theresa!
Yes yes and more yes! Our Abba is such a good and gracious God, and what an honor it is that we get to abide in Him. Great post. So glad I found it.
So glad you found me, Julie! I agree- it is a privilege to abide in Him…<3
Wow, Rachel. ((HUG)) — This is beautiful. Such truth. Such sustenance born from suffering. Loved this. Thank you for sharing. <3
Thank you for the very kind words, Brenda! So glad you came to my little corner of the world today. 🙂
I can not relate how much I love this! Your honesty, and willingness to be vulnerable is beautiful! Not to mention wonderfully written! I, too, know what it is to be very broken, and I’m seeing how God is using it all for His good purposes and as you said-to feed the multitudes! Many blessings to you!
Thank you, Elizabeth. As I was reading your comment, this is the scripture that immediately came to mind. Romans 5:3-4, Not only this, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint because God has poured out His love in our hearts through the Holy Spirit through whom He has given us.
May you be blessed today! <3
Wow, I needed this today… saving to read again later. Thank you.
Thank you, Heather. I pray it blesses you right where you’re at today!
Much love! <3
I am in tears while reading this. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your struggles. You are such a strong woman of God and he is using you to reach so many women that are struggling with brokenness. I am so very sorry for the losses of your children. That truly broke my heart, but you are proof of God’s love and goodness! Many blessings to you!
Aww, thank you Keisha. This coming from you, means a lot! I so appreciate your encouragement. He is a good, good Father. <3
Thanks for stopping by here today. 🙂
Blessed/consecrated and broken…a lesson in itself. Broken and used for the sake of Christ is a whole beautiful lesson on top of that which which seems so difficult…the broken part. Remembering it is not about me is even more of a lesson for me. WOW! Thank you. Thank you.
I am so sorry about the losses of two of your precious children. So sorry. God has used you and those hard things for His good and good for others. Praising Him.
Bless you for being so open with us. I hold you in prayer for the ministry that He has given you.
Thank you, Linda, for the very kind and encouraging words! I appreciate your prayers more than you know. 🙂
I know the pain and brokenness of losing a child. But not two. And I know the faithfulness and love of God as He heals the brokenness. Sharing our stories does bring hope to others. Beautiful wisdom here today. Thank you.
Debbie, I’m sorry for your loss too, friend. Yes, by sharing our stories we are able to bring hope to a hurting world.
Thanks for stopping by here today! 🙂
Such a powerful post, Rachel. Thank you for sharing your brokenness and your faith. I have different kinds of brokenness than you, but I also believe that God is multiplying his glory through my brokenness. Thank you for trusting your readers with your vulnerable story.
As always, I so appreciate your kindness and encouragement, Sarah.
We are all broken, in some way or another, aren’t we? In this way, we all have something in common. I’m so grateful for Jesus, and his willingness to be broken on my behalf, so that through Him, I may live! And with HOPE!
Praying that God continues to bless you as you allow your consecrated life to bless the world around you.
Love to you <3
Thank you, Rachel for sharing your deeply personal story! Your wisdom about brokenness is outstanding. May He continue to wrap you richly in His love!
Thank you, Yvette! I appreciate it. Praying the same for you! 🙂
Oh, those are dangerous and heavy words. However, so beautiful. The Lord knew your heart and the struggles you would endure. I did something similar. I cannot say how heavy my heart is for the loss of your daughter. That is an unspeakable pain. I wish I could offer words to help but I can’t. YES! Jesus gave thanks before the blessing! I am reading a book right now and all your words line right up with it. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for sharing. I am so blessed by your words.
Your thoughtful words are so encouraging to me, Victoria! I’m glad our worlds have collided. 😉
I would be very interested to know the name of the book you are reading!
Thanks for stopping by, and joining me on this journey.
Much love. <3
Our brokenness reveals our beauty ! May God continue to give your heart peace.❤
Thank you, Pami! 🙂
Wow, Rachel…this is rich with truth and beauty!! “Indeed, our brokenness leads to another’s feast.” I can’t get over this line. Certainly, my most intimate acts of service have happened at the most vulnerable points of my life. How good is He who wastes not a stitch of pain! I’m so happy we’ve connected this week. I only wish I could have shared this in my newsletter with the others. If you link up Mondays (no later than Thursday), I’ll make sure my readers get a chance to take a look at it as well. Blessings today and thank you for sharing this incredible piece!
Thank you, Meg! I sure enjoyed reading your piece, as well. Such gifted and beautiful writers I’ve come across in the blogosphere! Makes my heart happy. 🙂
Thank you for your very kind and encouraging words. I’m headed your way this morning! <3
Every time we pray “Thy will be done,” we should also pray for strength.
Thanks for sharing your story of broken beauty.
Very, very true Michele! Thank you for your kindness. 🙂
Wow, what a beautiful and humbling thought. There has definitely been brokenness in my life that I still wonder why in the world I had to live through it. Viewing this brokenness through the thought that maybe it was for someone else gives a new sense of hope and purpose. Thank you for writing this.
Thank you Elizabeth! I admit it’s really, very difficult at times to look at brokenness from this perspective. Especially when one still feels the weight of that brokenness. It becomes a little easier, when we are on the other side, to find joy in our circumstances. Even the hard ones. But I am in the process of trying to train my mind to think this way, and look at every situation as an opportunity to spread love and hope to a hurting world. I do believe that God is good, and all that He does is good. And He is always working towards MY good. It’s sometimes hard to see, but I suppose that’s where faith comes into play.
Thank you for reading! I appreciate your thoughts on this. 🙂
So often we can believe that God is teaching us lessons, I know I did. And He will use the circumstances, but it always the enemy of our soul that never wants us know Him after we pray. I too have focused on a Not About Me November, and I’m planning A Season of Rest for December. You are so right how He uses our stories to encourage others.
Rebecca, I look forward to reading your post in the Not About Me November series!
Thank you for stopping by today. 🙂
Oh my goodness. What a powerful post. Gladly sharing to Facebook. Excellent points and your testimony drove it home!
Thank you so much, Gretchen! Wow. I so appreciate your positive feedback. <3
O! what a process! Visiting from Kristin’s today.
I’m so sorry about the tragedy that you have been through! But I’m so glad that God has shown Himself through it. Too often we waste our heartaches and never learn anything or attempt to share what He is doing through it. I tell my Bible study group all the time, you never know who is watching and will be impacted by our faithful response. Thanks for the post!
Thank you, Karen! I appreciate your thoughts on this topic. And I agree- we never know who may be watching…:)
This was beautiful, Rachel!! I can so relate to this post in many ways. I love how God doesn’t waste one tiny thing, but uses it for good and for His glory! I’m featuring this post on Salt & Light linkup this week!
Thank you, Alisa! I feel so honored to have this piece featured on Salt & Light! This blesses me. <3
Rachel, This is my second time have your post come across my computer. What a blessing! I have tucked it away for safekeeping. I thought I replied so, please excuse me if I have twice. I loved your words.
I am so sorry for your loss!
Thank you for not wasting your loss and using it to help others. I do believe that is God’s desired. He will walk with us, but his desire is we, in turn, will point others to him and help them through it. I have been so blessed by others that have helped us in our walk with having a child with mental illness. In turn, I have been blessed beyond what I ever could have dreamed of by my child and the opportunity to help others.
Maree, thank you for visiting again. I appreciate your very kind words and thoughts about this topic.
What a blessing it is to be carried by a God who loves us so dearly. I’m so glad that you’ve had the gift of others coming alongside you in your time of need. We belong to one another. We need each other. We are stronger together.
Thank you for taking what you’ve been given, and lending it to others, in return. He does bring beauty out of ashes after all!
Much love to you! <3
Rachel, what a devastating loss for you and your family. But I see God shining through and using your painful story to draw broken hearts to Himself. I know it takes courage to allow yourself to be used by Him like this. I pray that many hearts see the Light of His healing touch. I have chosen your post as my Grace and Truth feature this week. Head on over to my site and get the “I Was Featured” button. Thanks for linking up.
Aimee, thank you so much! I am so humbled by the impact this story has had on the lives of others, and that God would choose to invite me to be a participant in His activity. May He be given all the glory. I could not have made it through my darkest hour without His love, grace and mercy.
Thank you for featuring my story on your website this week. I am honored. 🙂
Hi Rachel, I so appreciated this post. Thank you for pouring out your heart and helping us to understand what God can do with and through our brokenness.
Thank you for the kind words, Tiffiney. I appreciate you stopping by. <3
This is beautiful! I have a plaque in my room with the words of Oswald Chambers, “Be broken bread and poured out wine.” It’s not about us, it’s about God and others. You hit the nail on the head. Thank you.
Ah, I LOVE that! Oswald Chambers is the best. 😉
Thank you for the encouragement, Lisa. I’m glad you stopped by. <3
Brokenness comes in so many forms right ? I know a thing or two about brokenness but how I loved reading your Spirit inspired post .
There are not leftovers only overflowing abundance in Christ !
Jesus multiplies our broken body into miracles and glory for the furtherance of His kingdom
Blessings upon your brokenness . May He ever multiply you , your generations and your ministry !
Wow, this post made me cry. Thank you for sharing. It was very powerful. Your words aligned with what God has been saying to me these past months (… you know, because words have to marinate in my head for a while… and God reminds me constantly of His truth). I’m currently on a new journey in life; it’s called “living in faith.” It’s not my comfort zone whatsoever! Anyway, thank you (once again) for obeying God and writing a post that will make an impact.
Thank you for your kind words! I am familiar with the marinating process as well. 😉 Praying for you, as you step out of your comfort zone, and into the deep waters of faith-living this year. It’s always comforting for me to remember that we do not go alone!
So beautiful Rachel! So amazing how God uses our pain and broken pieces and turns them into His beautiful masterpiece. We lost our child when he was 2 weeks old from a fatal kidney disease so devastating losing a child but there have been many greater blessings from his life. Thanks you for sharing!
Heather, so sorry for your loss! 🙁
Yes, the Lord takes our broken pieces and transforms them into something beautiful. He brings beauty from our ashes
My heart is overwhelmed with something I can’t explain because of what I read. I’m just speechless. Thank you so much for this. ♥️
Araceli, I am speechless at the kindness of your words.. thank you. I pray that this blesses you and encourages you, in whatever season you find yourself in today. ((hugs))
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(1) If you want your ex back.
(2) if you always have bad dream
(3) You want to be promoted in your office.
(4) You want women/men to run after you.
(5) If you want a child.
(6) You want to be rich.
(7) You want to tie your husband/wife to be yours forever.
(8) If you need financial assistance.
(9) HIV/AIDS CURE
(10) is the only answer to that your problem of winning the lottery
Contact him today on oseremenspelltemple@gmail.com