The Gift of Brokenness

Elisabeth Elliot once said that the Christian life is chock full of "letting goes"..and a million little deaths along the way. Today was no exception. I wanted to share my devotion this morning which sweetly reminded me to shift my perspective. I find that many of us carefully craft our lives as to avoid heartache and pain; only to find that pain is inevitable, and it will come. The important matter is how we respond to it. Contrary to all my heart is feeling, God reminds me that I should not cower in fear of pain, or hide from sorrow. In fact, sorrow is a treasure. 

"And when we find ourselves most hopeless, the road most taxing, we may also find that it is then that the Risen Christ catches up to us on the way, better than our dreams, beyond all our hopes. For it is He--not His gifts, not His power, not what He can do for us, but He Himself--who comes and makes Himself known to us. And this is is the one pure joy for those who sorrow." 

They were writing to a couple who had just recently lost their baby. They ended their letter with this:

"Jesus learned obedience by the things which He suffered, not by the things which he enjoyed. In order to fit you both for His purposes both here and in eternity, He has lent you this sorrow. But he bears the heavier end of the Cross laid upon you! Be sure that Lars and I are praying for you, dear friends."