If God has a purpose for us, why is it that oftentimes we hit the wall, and become broken.

Brokenness is not a stranger to the people of God. It visits without warning, through loss, disappointment, betrayal, illness, or seasons when life simply stops making sense.  When the piece’s scatter and hope feels far away, we often ask the quiet question, our hearts can barely voice: Why?

Scripture reveals a surprising truth:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

— Psalm 34:18

God does some of His most beautiful work in the very places where we feel most undone.

Brokenness is not the evidence of God’s absence; it is often the stage for His nearness.

Before God explains anything, He offers Himself.   His presence arrives before His answers.

The Lord draws near to the brokenhearted — not after they heal, not once they understand, but in the moment of crushing.

Brokenness becomes sacred ground because God steps into it. God Uses Broken Things to Reveal His Purpose.

Throughout the Bible, brokenness is not a barrier to God’s work — it is the ship through which His purpose flows.

• A broken alabaster jar released its fragrance.
• A broken body on the cross brought salvation to the world and the assurance of resurrection.

In God’s hands, broken things are never wasted.

They become His instruments He uses. Brokenness becomes the pathway to purpose.

What feels like the end is often the beginning of a new chapter authored by the Lord.

He reshapes what we cannot repair. He redeems what we cannot understand. He transforms what we thought was beyond hope.

Your brokenness may become the testimony someone else needs. Your valley may become the encouragement that lifts another weary soul.

God forms purpose in the very places we thought were only pain. We do not row alone. We row together.  We are leaving one shore and heading toward another.  Brokenness is not the evidence of God’s absence—it is the invitation to discover His nearness, and His shaping of your life, and His purpose for your life.

Brokenness becomes sacred ground—not because the pain is holy, but because God steps into it.

• Think of Hagar in the desert, rejected and weeping alone. God found her. – Genesis 21
• Think of Elijah in the cave, hiding those who would harm him, exhausted and discouraged. God fed him. – 1 Kings 19
• Think of David running from a jealous King Saul, overwhelmed by fear. God strengthened him. – 1 Samuel 19 – 31

God has a history of meeting His people in their brokenness. What feels like the end, is often the beginning of a new chapter authored by the Lord. Your tears may become the compassion that helps you draw near to God during the storm.

God forms purpose in the very places we thought were only pain.

• Joseph’s betrayal became the pathway to saving the Israelites. – Genesis 50
• Naomi’s grief became the doorway to Ruth’s redemption story. – Book of Ruth
• Peter’s failure became the foundation of his calling. – John 21

God does not waste brokenness. He repurposes it.  In Messiah Jesus, brokenness is never the final word. New life is.  Resurrection is. Coming to life again.

Keep rowing until you find the other shore, as our Captain, Jesus, is directing our journey. You will find shelter, safety, rest, and strength.

Remember:

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

 “I am the Lord. I have called you
for a righteous purpose” (Isaiah 42:6 CSB).

So, get on with it and find your purpose that God has for you. In the middle of the storm, keep rowing. Our, captain will come near, captain Jesus will come near, and direct you to the shore where you will find direction for your life.

Shalom and Blessings,

Dr. Jeff

Help us feed children who are broken because of the invasion of Hamas on October 7, 2023