“We don’t like to be broken, and we work hard at maintaining the façade that we have it all together. But if we’re honest, part of what life does is break us. We get betrayed, hurt, stepped on, and shutout. We suffer heartaches and losses. And some days it feels a lot like despair.”- Bob Merritt
“That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”- 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NLT)
Bob Merritt concludes Chapter 10- of Done With That as he talks about the third and fourth steps that shift our affections away from possessions and more toward people.
3. Embrace your brokenness. As the apostle Paul wrote in Corinthians, when we’re weak we’re more amenable to humbling ourselves and turning to God. Therefore, God’s power shows up best when we feel broken, frail, or desperate. Furthermore, Pastor Merritt wonders, what if we view those dark holes of loneliness and despair as blessings? Perhaps they even force us back to Jesus.
In addition, maybe God wants to teach us to rely on Him for our wholeness. Above all, the author believes, God wants us to learn to trust Him more than anything. And, that’s pretty hard to do when we feel strong and self-sufficient.
4. Look closer to home. When it comes to finding friends, Pastor Merritt advises, remember not to look past the people God puts in front of you. Hence, your best friendship opportunities exist in your proximity – where you work, live, and attend church.
Also, the author exhorts, give your best to people who know you and care about you. In conclusion, Pastor Merritt asserts that, in the end, the measure of your life consists of how you gave yourself to those who really matter. Not how many acquaintances you acquired or what you possessed and accomplished.
Today’s question: What kept your working hard at maintaining the façade that you have it all together? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Crosses and sacrifices – where things die”
