Jen’s Gem: Give your broken pieces to Jesus.
The other day, a glass container slipped from my hand and chipped my favorite coffee cup. Miraculously I found the tiny piece and when I put it back in its place, it fit perfectly. A little crazy glue and I knew I’d be back in business.
I carefully spread the glue on the cup and put the broken piece back fully expecting to be able to wiggle it into its rightful place. When I say that the glue dried in a nanosecond, I tell no lie. I could not budge the little chip and now this section of my cup is permanently uneven.
To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Even though the cup is useable, it’ll never be the same.
When I posted my dilemma on social media, someone pointed out that the original break was in the form of a heart. As I examined the photo, I saw she was right!
I tried to mend my cup’s “broken heart” on my own and failed.
Broken hearts. We’ve all got scar tissue on this vital organ from a failed relationship, hurtful words, lost opportunities, or any of the myriad of life’s challenges. Yet, will we let these experiences result in a permanent chip?
Is there a better way? Of course there is!
I’m reminded of the Bible story about the woman at the well who had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. (John 4:1-42 NKJV) I’ll touch on the high points here, yet I encourage you to read this story in its entirety especially if you are facing a heartbreak right now.
In short order, this woman had been divorced five times. Shunned by her community, she went to the well in the middle of the day instead of in the early morning hours with the other women. This is where she met Jesus who through the course of the interaction told her that He know about her five husbands.
Can you imagine how this woman must’ve felt in that moment? Jesus was able to see through her broken heart and get her to admit the truth of her life. As they wrapped up their conversation, Jesus revealed that He was the long-awaited Messiah.
Elated, she ran back to her town sharing the good news with everyone. One encounter with Jesus and her broken heart was healed. Her life was changed. No crazy glue required.
The gospel of Matthew contains several stories of the miraculous healings Jesus performed during His ministry. In reading them, I see two words repeated in nearly every one: compassion and immediately.
Jesus’ heart was moved every time he saw someone in pain, whether it was physical, mental, or emotional. In minutes, He erased it as if it never happened. No residual scars. No chips. Nothing. Each person walked away a brand new person telling the world the story.
Years ago, I had such an encounter and I’ve not been the same since. That’s what Jesus
does. That’s how He rolls. He is not some far off alien being who has no clue about what you’re going through. He is not some stone statue that can’t feel or hasn’t experienced the very same things we have. He’s not some wise dead person whom we quote. He’s alive and well and seeking hearts that need healing, lives that need changed.
The devil roams the earth seeking whom he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). His purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). If you look around our world today, it’s clear he is doing just that. Jesus came so that we would have life and have it to the fullest (John 10:10).
Our Father in heaven has a plan and purpose for each of us. I guarantee you that it is not for us to live like the walking wounded but rather to live victoriously.
Perhaps instead of looking to crazy glue to heal what’s broken in our lives, we look to the One who can makes all things new.
“Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”” (Revelation 21:5 NKJV)