"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:17
This is a powerful word from STREAMS IN THE DESERT:
Those people God uses most to bring glory to Himself are those who are completely broken, for the sacrifice He accepts is a "broken and contrite heart." It was not until Jacob's natural strength was broken, when "his hip was wrenched" (Genesis 32:25) at Peniel, that he came to the point where God could clothe him with spiritual power. And it was not until Moses struck the rock at Horeb, breaking its surface, that cool "water came out of it for the people to drink (Exodus 17:6).
It was not until Gideon's three hundred specially chosen soldiers "broke jars that were in their hands" (Judges 7:19), which symbolized brokenness in their lives, that the hidden light of the torches shone forth, bringing terror to their enemies. It was once the poor widow broke the seal on her remaining jar of oil and began to pour it that God miraculously multiplied it to pay her debts and thereby supplies her means of support. (See 2 Kings 4:1-7)
It was not until Esther risked her life and broke through the strict laws of a heathen king's court that she obtained favor to rescue her people from death. (See Esther 4:16)
It was once Jesus took "the five loaves ... and broke them" (Luke 9:16) that the bread was multiplied to feed the five thousand. Through the very process of the loaves being broken, the miracle occurred. It was when Mary broke her beautiful "alabaster jar of very expensive perfume" (Matthew 26:7), destroying its future usefulness and value, that the wonderful fragrance filled the house. And it was when Jesus allowed His precious body to be broken by thorns, nails and a spear that His inner life was poured out like an ocean of crystal-clear water, for thirsty sinners to drink and then live.
It is not until a beautiful kernel of corn is buried and broken in the earth by death that its inner heart sprouts, producing hundreds of other seeds and kernels. And so it has always been, down through the history of plants, people, and all of spiritual life -- God uses BROKEN THINGS.
Those who have been gripped by the power of the Holy Spirit and are used for God's glory are those who have been broken in their finances, broken in their self-will, broken in their ambitions, broken in their lofty ideals, broken in their worldly reputation, broken in their desires, and often broken in their health.
Yes, He uses those who are despised by the world and who seem totally hopeless and helpless, just as Isaiah said: "The lame will carry off the plunder." Isaiah 33:23
This reading ends with this prayer ... can you pray it today?
O, break my heart; but break it as a field
is plowed and broken for the seeds of corn;
Oh, break it as the buds, by green leaf sealed,
Are to unloose the golden blossom, torn;
Love would I offer unto Love's great Master,
Set free the fragrance, break the alabaster.
Oh, break my heart; break it, victorious God,
That life's eternal well may flow abroad;
Oh, let it break as when the captive trees,
Breaking cold bonds, regain their liberties;
And as thoughts sacred grove to life is springing,
Be joys, like birds, their hope, Your victory singing.
Are you willing to be broken for the Master's use? -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 23; Jeremiah 1-2; 1 Timothy 3
Great Quote: Distress of soul and grief of heart can only bring on destruction of body. Joy alone is a healer, and ye can have it in the darkest hour if ye will force thy soul to rise to Me in worship and adoration. I have not failed thee and ye have not failed Me. Remember that I am in the midst when ye praise me. Never let any kind of anxiety crowd out thy praises. Frances J. Roberts
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