A.W. Tozer seems to have gotten a hold on something here. Those who step into discipleship or ministry will inevitably be hurt in some significant way. I wouldn’t say it was a ‘given’, but it seems to be the common path we must take. We must be aware–but often we can’t or won’t understand. That is hard.
God really isn’t the problem.
He loves us and saves us and He really does want to bless us. He is all goodness and grace. He has no evil intentions concerning you, and certainly has no desire to see you suffer in a crisis of suffering or trial. Even in times of temptation, He simply views it as a step to strengthen us–He never is out to trip us up.
I really think that the issue is us.
Our old nature–the sinner inside, delights in things like pride and selfishness (even in religious matters). Some of the most difficult people I have ever had to work with were in places of oversight within the Church! May I suggest something?
Could it be that the problem isn’t that we are too weak, rather, it is because we are too strong?
God’s intention is ‘to bless greatly.’ But my pride and self-will must be left at the door (repeatedly). My old nature cannot truly work in the Kingdom. Only when these issues are dealt with (repeatedly) will humility and brokenness transform us. Quite simply, there is no way around this. God uses broken things. We must be broken as well.
“It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume.”
“It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.”
Becoming broken often takes years of trial, temptation, and affliction. But God is patient.
You will ‘log-in’ many hours in the desert. Many of His best soldiers have been recruited from that barren place. The Holy Spirit is our best guide through the difficult loneliness and aridity of this place. He will guide you, and comfort you.
I get to teach at a local Bible college–I love Song of Solomon. Here’s a verse that has encouraged me over and over:
“Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved?”
Songs 8:5, ESV
“Before God could bring me to this place He has broken me a thousand times.”
Broken Believers 
It is also thru our brokenness that we see God’s faithfulness, His love, and deeper understanding of His grace. Thank you for sharing this.
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How true. Others have also come to a similar finding.
“When God wants to drill a man,
And thrill a man,
And skill a man
When God wants to mold a man
To play the noblest part;
When He yearns with all His heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall be amazed,
Watch His methods, watch His ways!
How He ruthlessly perfects
Whom He royally elects!
How He hammers him and hurts him,
And with mighty blows converts him
Into trial shapes of clay which
Only God understands;
While his tortured heart is crying
And he lifts beseeching hands!
How He bends but never breaks
When his good He undertakes;
How He uses whom He chooses,
And which every purpose fuses him;
By every act induces him
To try His splendor out-
God knows what He’s about.”
– Anonymous
God Bless
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Hmmm…!!! Yeah! LOT’S of “exclamation” marks!!!
I had a dream last night (usually don’t dream at all). Okay, let’s start with what I did yesterday.
Went to the Al-Impics, an athletic event for those in recovery in the Greater Los Angeles Area, and competed in the 440 run, 50 & 100 yard dash. Did I mention I’m 61 y.o. and DON’T like to run? Anyway, needless to say, I was “DEAD” tired when I fell asleep last night.
Starting on my “Fourth Step” with A.A. and I believe the combination of “everything” led to the dream. As for the “dream”…it was about my getting “pissed-off” at my sister (58 y.o.) for tossing-out my “paperwork” and “other” items I had deemed worth saving. Her “attitude” toward all of that was, “I don’t care!”
“WOW…!!!”
Of course, my first reaction was, “I’ll get you back!” I woke-up with resentment and “hate” toward her. NOT just for her saying that to me, but, for her general attitude toward our Mom, also. She “pretends” to care, but will not take a moment of her time to spend with…Mom! (I’m in a Sober Living environment due to a “restraining order” placed on me so I can’t even visit my Mom at the moment…another story)
Yeah, i know, “God, grant me the Serenity to ACCEPT the “things” (people) I CANNOT change!” Okay, my sister, I can’t change her. So ACCEPT it…right? RIGHT!
“…I think that the issue is us. Our old nature, the sinner inside, delights in things like pride and selfishness …” Okay, “I get it!”
“… my pride and self will must be left at the door (repeatedly)…” emphasis on “repeatedly!!!” Every moment of every day…right!
“…My old nature cannot truly work in the Kingdom…” Nor can my “old nature” work in my new (sober) life here on Earth!
“…Becoming broken is often a lifetime of trial, temptation and affliction…” These ARE the days of Tribulation which we entered upon the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Thank You, Bryan!
Take Care and God Bless!
bob wise
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