by Richelle Hecker

You are never too broken.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link. 

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”
2 Timothy 1:9 New International Version

I was clipping, and arranging, a bouquet of roses. When I picked up the last rose to arrange it with the rest I discovered that the stem was broken. I didn’t want to discard the beautiful bloom just because it could not be part of the bouquet, so I chose to preserve it another way. I found a crystal bowl created for this purpose, then added some water and the rose. The rest of the bouquet has since wilted and gone, but this rose continues to bless me with its’ beauty. I am thankful that I decided to save it.

Each one of us comes to Christ in this same condition. We are broken, and need Him to save us from the consequence of our sin. He has already paid the price through His death on the cross, and undeserved, excruciating, separation from the Father. Now, because He is reunited with the Father, we too have that opportunity.

There is even more good news! He knows that we are still not perfect. He is not surprised by our condition when we break again. Whether our transgression is something that others would consider of no consequence, or a major deviation from the life God called us to live, when we return to Him, and ask for forgiveness, He is quick to forgive and pleased to restore us.

If you worry that the choices you have made, and things you have done, after your salvation might have made you useless to God, or unacceptable in His kingdom, remember His grace. He did not save you because of anything you did, but because of His own purpose and unmerited favor. Do not be afraid to return to Him. He will use you differently now because of your experiences, and like my rose your brokenness will set you apart to bloom, and bless, in a new way.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado.