By Flattery, George M. Introduction Today, I want to talk with you about taking the journey from brokenness to wholeness. Millions of people are broken by circumstances, poor relationships with others, sinfulness, and physical testing. Throughout His ministry on earth, Jesus met people in desperate need of help. Perhaps you are broken in spirit. Instead of being broken, you want to be made whole. Brokenness Hurts! Brokenness hurts! Nothing hurts more than a broken heart. Suddenly you feel alone and isolated. You search for answers, but it seems there are none. Even when a possible answer can be found, it seems that it never heals a broken heart. The pain that some people endure is indescribable. Brokenness can take many forms. It may include low self-esteem, excessive anxiety, bitterness, depression, addictions, persistent shame, obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and even perfectionism. People who suffer from perfectionism simply cannot live up to their own expectations. Many people are enduring broken relationships. Dr. Richard Swenson in his book entitled "A Minute of Margin" states: "Broken relationships are a razor across the artery of the spirit. Stemming the hemorrhage and binding the wound should be done as quickly as possible. Yet all too often it takes months or years. And sometimes the bleeding never stops." Many Try Substitutes All over the world people attempt to overcome pain by filling their lives with substitutes. These substitutes include alcohol, drugs, sex, material things, and even work. The main idea is to numb the pain with something else. Usually people hope to avoid pain with these substitutes. However, most of these substitutes only increase feelings of brokenness, hopelessness, and lead to lower self-esteem. If we attempt to lift ourselves out of brokenness and become whole without turning to God, we will fail. We may, to be sure, be able to improve our lot in life, but complete wholeness is not possible. We must turn to our creator for help. He alone has the complete answer for us. Given this, let us begin our search for God. Indeed, because of His love, He is searching for us! He wants us to respond to Him. Wholeness Through Christ Wholeness is what we want. We want to be whole in body, soul, and spirit, but we cannot be whole on our own. In order to be whole, we have to be reconciled to God through Christ. Christ died for our sins upon the cross. As we believe in Him and follow His teachings, He can help us deal with our brokenness. According to John 10:10, Jesus said: "I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." Here, Jesus states His goal. He wants us to have abundant life. This abundant life does not always shield us from brokenness, but it will help us through the dark seasons and give us victory. The Psalmist (147:3) says, "He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds." Jesus is always present to treat our wounds and heal our suffering hearts. He will give us abundant life! So to overcome our brokenness we must realize that we have to be healed by a power greater than ourselves. If we look only to ourselves, we will be not be able to make the journey from brokenness to wholeness. Jesus will not impose His healing upon us. We must make the decision to turn to Him for healing. God With Us Even in times of great testing, God is with us. Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit." This assertion gives us great hope. Even the darkest hours can be moments of peak fellowship with the eternal God. Our Lord will heal our crushed hearts. Swenson writes about the healing of broken relationships. He states: "Although there is no formula, there are principles. It helps to bring God closeÃÂÃÂÂÃÂÂthrough our brokenness. And it helps to accept GodÃÂÃÂÂÃÂÂs graceÃÂÃÂÂÃÂÂthrough our humility." Through brokenness and humility, with God near, our broken relationships can be healed. As Swenson says, "Warring individuals who have done battle for years can erase all antagonism in a matter of minutes." Moreover, when people have experienced brokenness, they often minister more effectively. People who have been healed from brokenness can identify with those who are broken. We do not seek to be broken, but when we are, God can use it for His glory. Even when Jesus was dying on the cross, Jesus lived life to the full. People who encountered Jesus at the cross were changed. Even while physically broken, He was a whole man in spirit. Through His human brokenness, God revealed His power. Jesus on the cross was whole! Conclusion Are you broken in spirit today? Do you live with a broken heart? If so, I urge you to come to Jesus. Believe in Him as your Savior. He is the healer. He is the one who will bind up your broken heart and give you abundant life. Reach out for that abundant life today. It is within your grasp as you commit your life to Jesus Christ. Let this be the beginning of your journey from brokenness to wholeness. Jesus will be with you the rest of the journey!

[ Fri, 9 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT ]

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