“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation (1 Peter 4:12-13 NASB).”

‘He's a broken man’

Through circumstances he has lost it all.

When a person becomes broken, they often are devastated with a loss of family, home, occupation, self respect and at times loss of health. To be broken appears to be a very negative thing.

Though a negative, it can that can be turned into a positive for individuals, families, churches, communities, and nations. Remember the symbol for a negative, that flat horizontal line?

How does it become a positive? You add a vertical line in the center. What do you see?

A cross.

Job was broken by disease. He lost family, suffered financial loss and respect from family and friends. He thought that God had abandoned him. What was his response? ( Job 17:1) Jobs' life was broken; yet, the story continues. (Job 42:1-6, 10) Job had a fresh start.

Hannah was a broken woman. She wanted children. (1 Samuel 1:5-18) This seemingly hopeless situation was transformed. (1 Samuel 1:26-27) Imagine her joy.
( 1 Samuel 2:1-10)

Naomi was broken due to the death of her husband and adult sons. (Ruth 1:20-21) God turned her grief to rejoicing. (Ruth 4:13-16)

King David was broken by sin and guilt. He was guilty of adultery with Bathsheba, and having her husband murdered in battle. He lost intimate fellowship with God. (Psalms 38:8/ 51:17) David was contrite. He repented of his sins. ( Psalms 51:13) God blessed him as a blessing to others.

The Apostle Peter was broken. He had denied his Lord. (Luke 22:54-62) How could he face his risen Savior? (John 21:15-17) Jesus gave him a divine appointment, to feed His sheep.

God does not want us to stay locked into sorrow and brokenness.(Psalms 147:3/Ezekiel 34:16)

God puts broken pieces back together. ( Luke 4:18/ Isaiah 61:1-3) He sets the downtrodden free.

Jesus was ‘broken’ for you; He was broken for me.

Will we share in the power of His suffering and resurrection?

Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com
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