I’ve kept piles of broken things since our wedding day. Items fixed with tools are stacked on my husband’s workbench in the garage. The mending pile is in my sewing cabinet. Anything I can repair is placed in my craft area.
These piles have one thing in common – they can’t be used until they’re fixed. I’m pretty sure I saved our marriage the time my husband was too busy and his pile was growing along with my frustration. I sold the broken items at my garage sale for $1 each with a tongue-in-cheek sign, “The Honey Didn’t Do.” I wasn’t surprised that most of the items were purchased. People love to restore good items to usability.
Items beyond repair are tossed. Raised by generations of frugal-fixers, this bothers me. I only throw something out if I can’t fix or, use it the way it is, or use parts of it.
The Lord’s policy is different, He doesn’t throw out broken things, He uses them.
Leonard Ravenhill, in Why Revival Tarries, said, “God only uses broken things. For example, Jesus took the lad’s bread and brake it; then and only then, could it feed the crowd.
The alabaster box was broken’ only then could its fragrance escape and fill the house — and the world.
Jesus said, ‘This is My body which was broken for you.’ If such was the way the Master went, should not the servant tread it still?”
Items are used, then broken. Christians are broken, then used.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A heart needs to be broken in conviction because of our sin against a holy God.
Because of His broken body we can be forgiven and redeemed.
Like Mary, we can break the boxes that hold the oil of our worship.
Then, He can break the bread of service we offer, and multipy it to the people.
Because, the Lord uses broken things.
https://youtu.be/wzq-jH3RJcQ
Great post. Makes me think of this, which I wrote in my quote journal many years ago: "God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever." —Vance Havne
Thanks for this very sweet reminder of our Lord's grace!
I've been taking a bit of a break, so just read this. It is so good. I'm glad He uses us broken, because most days that is exactly how I feel. Thanks for reminding me that it is where I need to be.
I came here via Sarah's blog, this is so powerful! Thanks!
Thank you Mindy for this post. Tears are in my eyes, for this has really touched me deeply. I just sense God's love and mercy! Bless you! xxx