Bernard

God said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves…

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (WEB)

Has your life ever felt broken into pieces?

Then God starts working to put it all back together. Some pieces are missing forever. But that’s okay.

When God restores a broken life, we still live with gaps and scars. Those damaged pieces are what the Holy Spirit used to draw us back to the Savior.

Sometimes our brokenness comes from our own choices, from others, or from life events. Regardless of the cause, it has given you a story to share. Are you telling how Jesus transformed your brokenness into something beautiful?

Photo by Beth Carley

Have you ever helped stopped to help a broken life? I don’t mean throwing money at broken people. Money can’t fix empty hearts.

Pay attention to where God is working. When we follow Christ with resolve we can spot Him anywhere. Then we can join Him in His pursuit of the broken and lost.

  for I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in. ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.’

Matthew 25:35-36 (WEB)

Have you ever had an experience that you just knew was orchestrated by God? The more we stay connected to our personal relationship and friendship with Jesus, the easier those experiences are to see. Those moments are meant for growing our faith and to encourage others.

One encounter led me to Bernard, who was asking for money in a store parking lot. I usually avoid engaging with strangers alone, but in this moment, I just sensed the need to reach out.

As Bernard approached me, he was respectful and stayed at a distance that was not aggressive or in my space. He asked if I had anything to give him.

I told Bernard I had question for him, as I handed him some money. I asked if he knew Jesus. He said he had been raised Catholic but that he had left that part of his life behind.

I told him that God loves him and created him for living a contented and productive life in Christ.

I told him that God didn’t promise an easy life, but a life of joy in Him. I reminded Bernard that God had a plan for him, and it wasn’t too late to find that plan.

God, in His tender mercy, helped Bernard realize that I wasn’t being critical or judgmental. Romans 8:28-29

I told him that God loves him no matter what. Bernard told me he was grateful for my encouragement and that he did want to pursue his life with God again.

I left that day never dreaming that I’d see Bernard again. Two weeks later I actually ran into Bernard at the same store. He was in the shoe department buying work boots for his new job!

That just confirmed my thought that the Holy Spirit was involved in that experience. Bernard took what could have seemed to him to be offensive and judgmental, and God helped Bernard to hear His voice instead of mine. He heard God’s heart for himself.

Romans 4:4-5

Now, I absolutely do not take credit for that experience. How could I? Had I never experienced my own brokenness, I might not have seen Bernard.

But God knew where Bernard was. He knew where I had been.

When believers humbly remember the brokenness that they have experienced, they can’t help but love other broken people.

I am thankful that Bernard’s heart was soft enough to hear the voice of Christ.

I am thankful for the privilege of telling others about that love. Why would we ever keep that to ourselves?

The first step in telling anyone about Christ is coming to the knowledge that I need Him, too. The rest just falls into place.

God uses the everyday moments of believers so that He can reveal His love to those who are still on the outside. Ask God to show you those opportunities. He will!

Honoring God with our lives is the joy of really knowing where our best treasure lies. Our treasure is the very heart of God!

Share the Good News in your world!

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.