The Importance of Brokenness

Many profess faith in Christ and recite the prayer of salvation, yet never experience the deep transformation that marks true discipleship. While salvation is a free gift, Scripture teaches that a vital and often overlooked part of following Christ is brokenness—a complete surrender of self, sin, and worldly attachments.

Sadly, many believe they can follow Jesus without ever being broken. But the Bible shows clearly: there is no salvation, growth, or intimacy with God without brokenness.

Let’s consider some key biblical examples:

David – Broken Through Consequences

King David, despite being “a man after God’s own heart,” sinned grievously through lust, adultery, and murder. God, in His mercy, used severe consequences—family strife, personal loss, and national turmoil—to bring David to repentance. Psalm 51 is David’s heartfelt response, where he declares, “A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

Paul – Broken Through Trials

The Apostle Paul began as a prideful persecutor of Christians. God broke him—literally—on the road to Damascus. His transformation didn’t stop there. He endured blindness, beatings, imprisonments, and constant opposition. Through it all, Paul became a humble servant, saying, “I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Jonah – Broken Through Obedience

Jonah ran from God’s call, driven by anger and prejudice. But God orchestrated a storm, a fish, and a second chance. Jonah’s story shows how God uses brokenness not just to correct us, but to realign our hearts with His mercy and mission.

Moses – Broken Through Loss

Moses, the great leader of Israel, disobeyed God in a moment of pride and frustration, striking the rock instead of speaking to it. Though he led the people to the edge of the Promised Land, he was not allowed to enter. God used this to humble Moses, transforming him into a leader who depended completely on the presence and voice of God.

Jesus – Broken for Us

Even Jesus experienced brokenness—not for His own sin, but for ours. On the cross, He bore the weight of separation from the Father to redeem us. His suffering was the ultimate act of love, showing us the cost of grace and the necessity of surrender.

Brokenness is Not Punishment—It’s Preparation

God doesn’t break us to destroy us. He breaks us to rebuild us—to strip away pride, rebellion, and self-reliance so we can walk in dependence on Him. Brokenness is often painful, but it’s also purposeful. It leads to:

• Repentance

• Intimacy with God

• Renewed purpose

• God-centered living

  
  

Conclusion

If we desire to follow Christ fully, we must embrace brokenness. It’s not optional. It’s essential. As we let go of sin, pride, and self, we discover the richness of God’s grace and the freedom of a life wholly surrendered.

True revival begins with brokenness.