“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. ~2 Corinthians 4:7-10
Broken hearts, broken minds, broken bodies, broken souls – in the end, is this all the world can offer?
Yes.
But it is not the end, because Jesus has the final say. This world breaks each of us at one time or another, but the One who offers healing chose to be broken for us, and proved to be stronger then the grave. When I have been shattered and wrung dry, feeling ruined beyond repair, Jesus came to me. In those times of pain and brokenness, He showed me the scars on His hands and offered me the same healing power that healed those wounds.
God met me in the searing pain of loss, never leaving my side when my heart screamed in agony beyond description. He met me in the depression with the gentle reminder that this was not the end of the story He has written for me. He met me in the tears with gentle hands that wiped my eyes and strong arms that held me tightly. He has replaced wounds with healing, anxiety with peace, brokenness with strength, confusion with clarity, and questions with perspective. There will be more pain and questions, but now I have a place to confidently take them. He has proven to me time and again that I can trust Him, both to the end and in the end. He knows my pain, and even the deepest agony of loss and heartache is not beyond His redemption.
I do not know how multiple and differing ideas and emotions can be present simultaneously; I do not know I can feel so lonely and broken beyond repair, yet completely at peace and deeply loved. I cannot make logical sense of it all, but I am slowly realizing that I do not need to. That is where faith comes in. If I could understand it all, where would my need for Him be?
Proclaiming His Goodness 