Unbroken

by Katie Loveless

We have been enjoying a much-needed break which served as an ideal time for family to visit. One morning one of our house guests shared that something fell and broke in the room they were staying in. A decorative plaque, a gift from a friend, was on display in a metal easel on the bedside table. Somehow, through the night, a bump disturbed the plaque so much that the plaque landed squarely on the floor. The morning light revealed two distinct pieces, which our guests carefully collected and placed on the shelf for repair. I assured them all was well as they relayed the mishap. I have a collection of broken things I am saving up for repair.

After our house guests returned to their home, I retrieved the plaque to assess the repair. It is a beautiful break. The crack is clean, pristine and only serves to punctuate the message on the plaque which reads: “As for me and my house…we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). The crack ultimately underlines the portion that reads, “we will serve.” I smile at the punctuation because it echoes in my soul with the same resounding joy of a bell ringing. This is true.

As for me and my house, we have determined that no matter who comes or who goes, we will serve the Lord. We will stand strong in the power of His might and in the liberty of His grace. We will walk in peace and enjoy a peaceful habitation of rest and joy. We will not be indelibly shaped by the trials of this life. Instead, they will merely serve to etch the channels God desires for His grace to flow through. We will be unbroken. Any crack made on the canvas of my life will only serve to further punctuate the grace of God and His anointing on my life to proceed. We will carry on, unbroken. No matter what, we will serve.

I ask you, sweet friend, what bumps in the night have disturbed your rest? What has jostled your faith to the point that prayers seem to fall to the floor in brokenness? Look closely here. All hope is not lost. Things are not shattered beyond repair. There is goodness here, even amid the rubble of broken things. There are not too many broken things for God to attend to. You may be tempted to think that things are adding up beyond His control. Like me, you may be counting your own collection of broken things awaiting repair. Beloved, nothing is wasted. God will use even the broken things to display His glory.

Cracks will do one of two things. They will either let the light in or they will underscore truth. Either way, you, too, can carry on with a resolve that is unbroken. You can enjoy the potential of a much-needed break. “Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart” (Psalm 97:11, ESV). Say it: God, I believe you that nothing is wasted. You will make beauty from ashes and give me the oil of joy to replace my mourning and grieving. Pray it: God, have your way in me. My life belongs to you. Use it for your glory as you see fit. Thank you for the cracks in my life. They are merely points of reference for your glory to shine through. I make room in my heart for your word to be written on the walls in bold, italicized print with underscore.

About The Author Katie Loveless is a social worker, wife, and mother of five boys. She is a student of grace who enjoys writing, gardening, and empowering others to pursue stability.

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