Brokenness

For many, 2020 has been a year of difficulty with an abundance of weakness and feelings of constantfailure. Pastor Jon shared that he has felt this more than ever throughout 2020 – as a husband, a father,a leader, and a friend. Yet, we are challenged, amidst our brokenness, to surrender to Jesus. Why?Because He promises that His Kingdom is always increasing (Isaiah 9:6-7) and that He will use allthings for good for those who love Him and are called by Him (not those who are perfect or strong orunbroken, Romans 8:28).

This reality is shown in the lives of four individuals included in Scripture:

John the Baptist (John 1:23, 29-39; 3:27-30; Matthew 11:1-3) – John the Baptist prepared the wayfor Jesus: come & see. However, upon being separated from Jesus and imprisoned for His decisionto follow Jesus, he doubted. His sight became impaired, and he questioned Jesus: are you reallythe one we’ve been waiting for? Still, Jesus used John and confirmed His power & purposes.

Peter (Luke 5:8-10; 22:28-30) – Peter shifts from being called by Jesus to being willing to die forJesus to denying that he ever even knew Jesus. In the face of troublesome circumstances and fearof man, Peter shrunk back instead of remaining bold and steadfast. Still, Jesus used Peter andconfirmed His power & purposes.

Nicodemus (John 3:1-21; 7:50-51; 19:38-39) – Nicodemus was an influential leader & teacher thatwas drawn to God but allowed fear of man to control his actions and boldness. Until Heexperienced and witnessed the death and resurrection of Jesus. He ultimately surrendered andJesus confirmed His power & purposes.

Mary Magdalene – Mary was a prostitute, she had seven demons cast out of her; she had anincredibly sordid and broken life … until Jesus. Jesus saved her in her brokenness and Marybecame a disciple that seemingly never departed from Jesus again, fulfilling His purposes andexperiencing His power in, through, and around her.

When we surrender to Jesus in our brokenness, He will build His Kingdom in and around us