"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17
October snow melts under warming skies lifting its icy hold on still green earth. I venture out mindful of broken limbs piled high against scarred trees through town.
I take the narrow wooded road. Unmarked hazards slow me, cause fear. I almost turn back, but her lonely waiting, needy anticipation begs me come. I creep up toward the hill where she sits behind brick and glass nursing her own broken limb.
She too is scarred from unprecedented storms. Her once strong limb carried her miles around New England town each day, now lays broken, bruised and braced. She sits wishing for younger, stronger, healthier, less lonely times. Who wouldn't? She prays, too--for healing--with faith and patience and thanks. She who lives broken gives thanks.
Thankfulness in the midst of brokenness. Thanks for brokenness. Is this what God wants?
God never delights in our trouble but without brokenness how can anyone know his mercy, healing power, forgiveness or strength? Not even Jesus could know these things without suffering: "...it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation {Jesus} perfect through suffering." Hebrews 2:10
We offer God our broken sacrifice of praise and somehow he comes--God our healer. God our provider. God our strength. God our salvation--he comes close.
Her nurse meets me at the door. "She's feeling puny today--a bit under the weather."
More suffering. More brokenness. And before I leave, she who lives broken, gives thanks.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
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