Through the Brokenness

I remember when I first started at Hodges Presbyterian Church – my first time serving as a lead pastor. I was just getting my feet wet; just learning the ropes of the church. Maybe my second week there, our children’s ministry director said, there is a member of our congregation – relatively young – in his 50s who was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. You really need to go see him.

And I went to see him, but I was really nervous. I mean what do you say in a situation like that? But when I got there, much to my surprise, he was actually in good spirits. He laughed easily. His wife even joked, “I don’t know what’s gotten into him these last few months.” He said, “I don’t know how long I have, so I don’t want to take a single moment for granted.”

I didn’t say this, but I’ve known plenty of people who wouldn’t take it so well. I’ve certainly known plenty of people who have instead grown bitter and cynical… When we held hands to pray before I left, I could feel his inner strength. He was confident that death would not have the last word… And through that visit, he actually was the one ministering to me!

As I mentioned yesterday, over the years I’ve heard stories from people about how just when life seemed to be falling apart – something deep inside started to grow: a hope that couldn’t be contained, a hope that they would see a loved one again; hope that tomorrow doesn’t have to be the same as today – things can change – that there can be a new start. 

I’ve had others tell me that just at that moment when they thought they were just about beyond their ability to cope – a strange peace came over them, or an inexplicable sense of joy arose out of the darkness…

We worship a God who can bring strength out of weakness; who can use our brokenness; our failures; and our shortcomings and still make something beautiful.

Today I pray that your faith would sustain you – and also compel you. May it allow you, even in the midst of your own brokenness, to give beyond your means, to make a difference in other’s lives, and as you do, to find a deep sense of joy and peace.

Let us pray: We trust, O God, that your power and grace are at work, in us and beyond us. Even in our brokenness, even as we are being healed, may your grace, mercy, and peace flow through us to touch a hurting world. Amen.