The People God Uses (5)

God uses people who are broken.

“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.'”  Acts 9:15-16 (NIV)

God specializes in using broken people. His love shines brightly through the cracks of broken vessels. Paul understood brokenness. Though he was God’s chosen instrument to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, he traveled the way of suffering. As you read Paul’s writings in the New Testament, you quickly detect that Paul’s journey was filled with adversity. Here’s a snapshot of some of his experiences. 

“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.” 2 Cor 11:24-28 (NIV)

Are you broken before the Lord? Anything that breaks the heart of God should break your heart. Often God will allow you to go through difficult circumstances to form the character of Christ in you. In your brokenness, you have a wonderful opportunity to know Christ more intimately and to make Him known more effectively.  

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell,
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care