Strong spirits: some things need to be broken

Have you ever broken something precious? Have you ever broken a bone? A promise? A confidence? The point is, we tend to think of breaking as something bad. But is it always?

Common life shows us that breaking isn't always bad: eggs must be broken before we can eat them. Likewise, nuts. Seeds must be broken in the soil before they spring up into new plants. Horses must be broken before they can be safely ridden. Sometimes doctors must break or re-break a bone so that it can heal properly. This list goes on...

The ultimate good breaking came when Jesus allowed himself to be broken to the point of death, in order to pay for our sins and set us free. But what about us? What might need breaking in your life? A bad habit? A hard heart? A need for control? The grip of fear or worry? An appetite out of control? This list goes on, too...

"Taking the five loaves and two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them... They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over." Jesus feeds 5000 (Luke 9:16,17)

"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body." Jesus at the last supper (Matthew 26:26)

"My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise."King David, repenting of his sin (Psalm 51:17)

Is there an area of your life that God might need to break? Ask him. Trust him. He only wants what's best for you...

Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His column appears every Sunday.

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