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SUNDAY SERVICE August 10, 2008
BROKENNESS PART 2 (for part 1 click here)
If you are broken, believe it or not, that’s the best time for a miracle.
When we come to the end of ourselves and there is no possibility for us to accomplish our vision on our own---or even to straighten out our own lives—when there’s no way for us or anyone else to “fix” things, then God can step in because we are no longer wrestling with him—trying to handle things on our own.
GOD WILL PUT THE BROKEN PIECES—THE BROKEN HEART---THE BROKEN LIFE TOGETHER. BUT, HE DOESN’T STOP WITH JUST PUTTING US BACK TOGETHER. GOD WANTS MORE FOR US; HE WANTS US TO LIVE AN ABUNDANT LIFE—TO HAVE JOY AND PEACE.
There is something in all of us that dares to hope there is a better way—hope and joy to be experienced. Have you ever felt like this?
DEEP IN MY HEART Deep in my heart, there's a place that aches to know the joy it suspects is possible;
Joy it has been on the verge of feeling
But, it’s hard to surrender my heart to its promise while fearing the other shoe dropping, and feeling I'll never be worthy. So, the Joy remains still elusive.
It’s my fault alone; I take the blame for letting my mind create barriers, walls of obstruction blocking the Joy from entering into my heart.
God, help me take captive the thoughts that control me, and keep me from knowing contentment. I've been wounded and hurt, broken and mended, but still afraid to be happy.
So, fill me with faith and drain me of fear, Help me to trust in your promise, that I may experience fullness of joy, and bask in the warmth of Your Presence.
Life is meant to be filled with joy and peace, but for many, it is just the opposite. Some of us are sad, depressed, and even bitter.
WE MAY BE HURTING BECAUSE OF THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING IN THE PRESENT. In a way, that’s easier because we can do something about the present.
IT’S HARDER WHEN WE ARE HURTING OVER THE PAST, BECAUSE WE CANNOT CHANGE THE PAST.
Many of us have the problem of looking backward at a past that was better and longing for it so much that we can't see what God is doing in the PRESENT. Others have the problem with looking at a past in which bad things happened and we can't break free of it.
Either way--looking backwards is only good for two things:
1. to see how God brought us through our trials and challenges. 2. to learn from our mistakes is counterproductive.
The thing about the past is that it's over and done. We can't go back. We can't change it. But, we certainly can change the present and the future. Will we make it better or worse?
Are you dwelling on a past that was unhappy---and continuing to suffer from it even though the conditions have changed?
Maybe you've been hurt and you're resentful. If you don't forgive, you will continue to live in the past and you will be bound to that person or persons who hurt you---bound by your unforgiveness.
Or, maybe you're remembering a time when you were strong and well---not sick or weak or imprisoned---not unemployed, not living alone----and you want to be that way again. Since you feel you never can, you're just giving up on life and destiny.
Maybe you're remembering joyous times with loved ones who are no longer here. The contrast of present loneliness can bring sorrow and depression. For those of us who have prayed for healing and we are still sick, we are mourning the life we could have if we were well. Why don't we get better? Why don't the doctors help? Why hasn't God healed us?
For those who are taking care of people who are sick, we're not only mourning the life that THEY could have had, but the life WE could have had if we didn't have to be caring for the sick person. And we may actually resent the sick person and resent God too--and then suffer guilt because we feel that way.
But whatever the reason for the sadness and sorrow you're feeling---there is Hope! It's not that we'll never have problems or sorrow---but that there is a solution! We go through sorrow, we don't stay in it.
So, if you are hurting today...now is the time to call on God. He is your Father and He loves you. He'll meet you right where you are.
Father God, please help us. We come to You in the Mighty name of Jesus and ask that You would make us whole--deliver us from sadness and regret. Heal the hearts that are broken and give us a life that has Your purpose. Help us to make peace with he past no matter what it was like. Help us to go on and follow You and lead a joyful life. Amen.
Maybe you still feel like you aren't good enough---that you're unworthy. Maybe you've even done some very bad things. God will accept you right where you're at. If you know Jesus, we need to confess what we're feeling to Him and ask Him to restore us--to renew us and to heal us and bind up our wounds. If you do not know Jesus as YOUR Lord and Savior, this is a good time to remedy that. He will forgive your sins---all of them! He sent His Son, Jesus to earth to bear your sins AND your sorrows. Jesus died for you and rose again to give you the victory.
Perhaps you would like to pray: Dear God, Thank you for wanting to heal me and give me peace. I accept the sacrifice that Jesus made for me. I believe He died and rose from the dead. I ask now that your forgive me for all the wrong things I've done or thought of. I give my heart and my life to you. Amen.
If you prayed this and meant it, you can be absolutely certain that God heard and accepted your prayer. He will work in your life and in your heart.
HERE IS THE WORD OF GOD THAT YOU CAN STAND ON IF YOU'VE JUST ACCEPTED JESUS:
Romans 3:22 Now God says he will accept and acquit us--declare us "not guilty"--if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like.
Romans 3:23 Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious ideal;
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