Christian Topic: Brokenness . . . God’s Best
November 18, 2004 - by Crown Financial Ministries

Nothing can befall us unless He allows it. It will rarely seem beneficial at the time, but it will always turn out for our good.
 
Perhaps no principle in God’s Word is less understood than that of brokenness. Brokenness does not mean being broke (financially). It is a condition during which God allows circumstances to control our lives to the point that we must totally depend on Him.

It seems that the greater God’s plan for a person, the greater the brokenness. The life of the apostle Paul reflects both great power and great brokenness; yet, Paul never considered his personal circumstances as punishment. He consistently asserted that his sufferings were a direct result of service to Christ. "Just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ" (2 Corinthians 1:5).

The Purpose of Brokenness
In God’s wisdom He realizes what it takes to keep us attuned to His direction. He then allows problems to occur that will break our will and keep us dependent on Him. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance" (James 1:2-3).

How is Brokenness Accomplished?
Since finance is the most discussed topic in the New Testament, it seems obvious that God would use this area to test our obedience to Him. Many Christians have had their egos shattered by financial setbacks. Some respond by panicking to the point that they abandon their Christian principles and cheat and lie to protect their security. Others fall back in defeat and lose their trust in God. Some even live a life of fear, and as a result, they lose their witness. Others accept God’s authority over their lives and use this as an opportunity to trust God more fully and to demonstrate to others that they serve God. For instance, "Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God" (Job 1:22).

Ego: God’s Enemy
Few Christians are willing to share an experience with brokenness. So often we equate problems with sin and illogically conclude that those who have problems are being punished by God. If that’s so, Paul was the worst sinner in the history of Christianity. He was flogged (five times), beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and deserted; and yet he said that he was in God’s will and was comforted by God. "We do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:16). God desires to break our egos and pride--not our spirits. Paul was truly a broken man but not a defeated one.

Conclusion
If you’re going through a period of trials and testing, don’t get discouraged. God is in control. If we are serving Him, nothing can befall us unless He allows it. It will rarely seem beneficial at the time, but if we believe God’s Word, we must believe He will ultimately receive the glory. "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

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