When God Breaks You

Have you ever felt like God led you down a path, only for you to be let down, discouraged and question His goodness? Have you ever thought things like: “Why did He lead me here? Why did this happen? What good can come out of this pain and frustration?”

During some of my most difficult of circumstances I knew God was trying to shape my character, but it felt like God was breaking me apart and causing me pain on purpose. It felt like He was intentionally making me suffer and strip any form of happiness from my life.

Honestly, I’ve grown jealous, and spiteful at times, looking at others who seem to have every prayer fulfilled, their perfect storybook lives, opportunities granted instantaneously and a successful life. Do you know those kind of people who it seems like everything just runs ever so smoothly for? It’s like they have a superpower of a care-free life. Things just work for them without them even trying or worrying. I can tell you my life is ever so much different.

My life has consisted of dashed dreams. My prayers feel forgotten. God seems silent. Doors have been closed to opportunities I’ve worked so hard to achieve for years. Plans have been destroyed. Every season of my life has brought such heartache and immense struggle that tugged and weighed on my heart. I felt like I was the one swimming against the current while everyone else seemed to be swimming where the water was calm and free. At times I’ve questioned why every stage and season of life has to be so much harder than expected. I’ve asked God many times: “Why does it always have to be this hard?”

While I don’t have an answer, I have stubbornly come to terms that an easy life isn’t something to be desired. As much as I’ve longed to have a perfect life, I know perfection is something that hinders me from being productive in my purpose on this earth. God created each of us to glorify Him, display His love to others and strengthen our relationship with Him. I’ve found it incredibly difficult to grow in those areas when my life is how I desire it to be. When things are going as expected and I achieve every dream I desire, my spiritual walk becomes stagnant. I feel as though I don’t need God. I don’t crave His guidance, direction, wisdom and support when things are going as I’d like. When I’ve achieved earthly success and fame, often times I feel like my humility weakens. My character isn’t being strengthened. I don’t trust God and rely on Him as I should. When I’m not facing a trial, I can’t as easily see the miraculous ways God is working.

If you feel like your life is just one catastrophe after another and you are getting worn down from the repetitive blows of discouragement, remember, it may be painful now, but it is ever so worth it. It may seem like God is against you. Like He is crippling you. Like He wants to see you suffer. Those are lies from Satan. Don’t fall into His traps of deceit.

Remember God’s character, He never allows pain and suffering for no reason. He is intentional. He is loving and gracious. A disciplinary parent punishes his child because he knows it will allow them to mature and grow most effectively. Just as punishment from an earthly parent helps us learn and apply wisdom, the same goes with God’s teaching and shaping in our lives as well. He’s molding us to become beautifully crafted by His hand to minister to others and serve Him.

While others who seem to have a perfect life appear to be a flawless piece of handiwork with their expensive finishing and exquisite adornments, God looks past any elaborate appearances and seeks to look deep within. Some of the most prized pieces of work are the broken ones that required the most effort and shaping to become useful and valuable. We are God’s handiwork and although our lives may not look pretty, perfect or purposeful, we can remember that God admires a heart that is softened and ready to be molded by His hands. We may have to surrender our plans, dreams and storybook life to live a life for Him, but no pain is wasted. God is using the deepest hurts, wounds and scars on your heart to deepen your faith far deeper than a surface-level relationship.

God is using whatever tough situation you are in right now as an opportunity for you to pull in close to Him and learn something that will far outlast anything this world could satisfy. More than the happiest day you could imagine. More than that dream you’ve been waiting for. More than the plans you intended for your life. God has intricately planned out each detail and season of your life to the tiniest detail, nothing is overlooked. Nothing is out of place. Nothing is forgotten or intentionally planned to harm or hurt you, but to strengthen and grow you. Each heartbreak is breaking you open and soften your heart to become the amazing piece of art God is shaping you into for your eternal home. Don’t lose heart, God is at work, and when you have a submissive and willing heart, He can do some of His greatest work in and through you!

Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.