Sometimes life can leave us feeling broken, hurt, disappointed, rejected, or discouraged. We may feel like something inside us has been shattered and that we are no longer useful. But here is the good news: God does not throw away broken pieces. He can take what is broken and make something beautiful out of it.
A broken piece in your life does not mean that your story is over. It can become part of your testimony.
Here is an example from a man in the Bible. His name is Gideon. Gideon felt that he was small and insignificant. He questioned whether God could really use him or not. But God told him in Judges 6:12, “The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.” God called him a mighty man of valour, which means great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle. So Gideon saw his weakness, but God saw his potential. How amazing. This is the same way He sees us.
So what can God do with our broken pieces?
- God can use your pain. He can use your hurts, and they can become something that helps you encourage someone else.
- God can use your mistakes. Making a mistake does not mean God is finished with you. We can repent, learn, grow, and move forward from it.
- God can use your weaknesses. You don’t have to be perfect for God to use you. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 He tells us, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
- God can turn your story into a testimony. The very thing you thought would destroy you can become part of the story you use to encourage someone else.
Sometimes we look at ourselves when we are broken. We see the broken pieces and think, “God can’t use me any more.” But God sees something different. The broken pieces are still valuable in His hands.
Have you ever felt like you were not good enough? I am sure you have; I know I have. Have you ever thought about why people sometimes hide their own brokenness? Maybe it’s because they think, “Can God use someone who is broken like me? How can my difficult experiences help someone else?” But remember: you may be broken, but you are not useless. You may be hurting, but you are not forgotten. You may have made mistakes, but God is not finished with you yet. So give God the pieces, and let Him make something beautiful with them.
In my closing thoughts I will say this: “God doesn’t need you to be perfect. He asks you to place what you have in His hands.” Jeremiah 18:6 says, “Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand.” This is what it means to put your broken pieces in His hands, so He can glue them back together.
