Often, we focus on and worry about our deficiencies or the things that are not going well in our lives especially in our relationships. The mind then translates the situation as something is not right, or something is wrong. The natural response is to do something to fix it, or we start the disengaging process to eventually separation. This uneasiness is an uncomfortable place to be in, and the feelings associated with the situation are not welcomed.
I read The Girlfriends in God devotions, and the one titled Celebrate the Broken resonated with me. The thing that struck me the most was the list of occurrences in the Bible where God used broken things to make an impression on others. The author shared the following list quoted from M.R. DeHann:
- God used two broken stones tablets to cause the Israelites to repent of their disobedience.
- God used broken earthen vessels to give the impression of an enormous army accompanying Gideon.
- God used a broken heart to return King David to himself.
- God used a broken roof to provide access for a cripple to be lowered by four faithful friends into the healing presence of Jesus.
- God used broken loaves to feed five thousand and then some.
- God used broken fishing nets to challenge the disciple to depend on Him rather than their own efforts for their needs.
- God used a broken ship to steer Paul to the island of Malta to reveal the gospel to the natives there.
- God used a broken body, pierced for our sins, to provide salvation for all humankind.
The devotion ended with “Today, embrace the pain in your life. Celebrate the broken places. Surrender them to your God and let Him heal them for your good and His glory.”
I want this devotion to be an encouragement to all relationships during times of conflict. Work towards changing your outlook on the situation from a place of concern to a place of opportunity. Try not to immediately see the conflict as a red flag but as an area of potential growth. It is easy to focus on the negative and pass judgment, so we have to be intentional about looking for the positive. Maybe this issue is an opportunity to stretch yourself and do something different. Could it be that you have unknowingly been following unhealthy patterns in your life and now you need to make some adjustments? Whatever the reason, don’t use this time to tear yourself down or the relationship; see what growth opportunities are present, readjust what is necessary, and keep living towards the relationship that you want to have. Brokenness can become absolutely beautiful if you let God do the mending!
