Repairer

Quick question: Was there a time in your life when you were broken-hearted? Maybe a painful relationship ripped apart, loss of a loved one, dead-end jobs, or just daily disappointments—the kind with no hope on the horizon. I imagine this describes many people. It does me.

Our early marriage was rocky. Well, volatile at times. Is anything settled by constant warring conflict? I think not. I mean; I tried. My weapon of choice happened to be a domineering, controlling attitude and; or, the silent treatment—because, of course, my way was always right. Can you relate?

I soon discovered my bold outrageous personality masked dormant fear. Peeling another layer off, I came to realize nothing is won by force, except, more pain. On the flip side [and, oh thank God for mercy], I have a gentle husband (Lee) who is clothed with patient understanding that balances our relationship. Countless times his tender and gentle demeanor dislodged my driven outbursts and the sorrow that accompanied them.

While it sounds easy, it actually requires letting go of pride and Lee is a humble man. In contrast, that’s the rub for me: relinquishing a haughty and proud spirit. Hey, I don’t like it when I’m wrong. Yet, to be Christ-like and receive a good outcome, I must be willing to cooperate, laying down my puffed-up ego. I admit now life’s burdens are too heavy, therefore I need help.

Enter Jesus. He came for the very purpose of restoration “Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28). Visionally speaking, Jesus was a servant; one who obeyed to the point of death. You see, what really counts is laying down our lives for others. In simple ways, perhaps: like letting another go ahead of you in grocery lines.

The Kingdom is being filled right now with earth’s broken people. There is no bruised reed that Christ cannot make beautiful. He can take a crushed life and use it for the furtherance of His plan.