Broken & Beautiful
Her face looked pale and her eyes were swollen. She broke down in tears as I embraced her. It was my first time to see her, a week after I've heard the news that the father of her children, her partner for almost 10 years was sent to jail. And now, here she is... left with three little children to care for... no money in her pocket, no source of income... nowhere to turn to.
She poured her heart out and told me how lost she feels. How her strength is failing as she fears what lies ahead... as she search for answers when her children ask her about what happened to their father... as she hears the condemning voices of some of her friends and relatives. I felt the heaviness in her heart... the heaviness... The weight of sin.
"For my iniquities have gone over my head;
like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me."
- Psalm 38:4
The weight of sin grounds us, breaks us, and makes us realize our need of a Savior. Until such time when we realize the weight of our sin, we will never appreciate what Jesus did on the cross. These spoke to me so much as I read Jennie Allen's book, Anything.
I just listened, as my friend continued to let it all out. Suddenly, she uttered these beautiful words... "I am sorry..." She was sorry for the years of living her life without regard for God. She was sorry for everything that she and her partner did which led her to their current situation. She was sorry that her children have to suffer the consequences of their decisions. She was deeply sorry... no justification... no excuses... just a heart humble, and broken before God, asking for forgiveness... longing for grace and mercy.
"I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin." - Psalm 38:18
aware of their sin and their need for God.
That is beautiful to God.
He can work with that, enter into that."
-- Jennie Allen, Anything
That same night, my friend gave her life to Jesus. Not knowing if her decision would set her partner free from prison bars... not knowing if it would instantly change her circumstance or answer her questions. All she knew was that, she was tired of running away. She acknowledged her need of a Savior, a healer. Here's a bleeding woman who reached out to touch the edge of Jesus' cloak. A woman who was stripped off naked. A woman who had nothing left but faith.
"For I am waiting for you, O Lord.
You must answer for me, O Lord my God...
Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior."
- Psalm 38:15, 22
My personal devotion on today's SheReadsTruth Reading -- Psalm 38.
#SheSharesTruth
Praying and overjoyed that she has turned to Christ in this most difficult of times. Love this- Being broken is beautiful in the eyes of God. Sometimes we need to just wait and trust on that!
ReplyDeleteI will pray that God will do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all she can think to ask for (Eph 3:20). <3
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Misce! Praying for your friend today...♥
ReplyDeleteMisce, it's so lovely to "meet you" through the SRT link up today. I am overjoyed to hear that your friend is now walking with Him He redeems all our brokenness and restores us. You have captured this psalm perfectly here. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing today! I always look forward to reading your blog, Misce. May I always realize my need for my Savior. :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful! Love what God is doing through, you sweet sister! Praying for your friend. :)
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