Brokenness and pain.
Unfortunately, both are universal in our experiences as human beings. We may have been hurt by a love that ended prematurely, by abandonment and isolation, by chronic illness or death, or by circumstances we bring on ourselves through our sin and failure—but we all know what pain feels like. It feels like something has been broken inside us. It feels like we are broken.
Like clay jars, we’re fragile. We can be easily broken—but we don’t have to remain “broken vessels.” We’re never beyond the healing and redeeming power of God. In the face of failure, God responds with restoration. In spite of our shortcomings, God will work in and through us. In the midst of our circumstances, God will help us endure.
Yet God doesn’t stop there!
He uses us to speak into the lives of other “broken vessels.” He uses our experiences with His grace and power to comfort others. He desires to use us to help our neighbors and loved ones encounter the God who brings hope and restoration.
Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us (2 Cor. 4:7).
We are broken vessels, but this great treasure—the good news of Jesus Christ—shines through our brokenness. And that’s a truth worth celebrating.
Want to Learn More?
This is the introduction to a 6-session Bible study that I wrote for the Summer 2017 edition of Bible Studies for Life.
- Session 1 – A Fresh Start (John 18:15-18, 25-27; 21:15-19)
- Session 2 – Objections Overruled (Exodus 3:11-12; 4:10-17)
- Session 3 – The Gift of Grace (2 Corinthians 12:2-10)
- Session 4 – A Channel of Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:2-7)
- Session 5 – A Passion to Share the Gospel (2 Corinthians 5:11, 14-21)
- Session 6 – Right Here, Right Now (Mark 5:1-2, 8-15, 18-20)
Pick up your copy here.
Everyone is born with severe birth defects in spirit, soul, body, relationships, and ability to see spiritually. But in Christ there is substantial healing and a promise of more.