Broken for God

I have many fond memories of my grandfather.  In my early years, I grew up in Grayson County, Virginia and had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Grandpa.  He was a farmer for the better part of his life, and I often spent time “helping” him around the farm.  Mostly, I simply remember following him around as he went about his daily chores and routines.  Grandpa was up in years even from my earliest recollections, but he always seemed to have either cows, or chickens, or pigs, or ducks, or dogs, or cats, or some variety of animal around the house or in the field.  Also, Grandpa invariably had a horse or two nearby.  I can remember hearing my father talk about his love for and skill with horses.  Dad used to tell me stories about how Grandpa was in the Calvary out west, how he used to ride horses in the rodeos around Colorado, and how he was always very good with raising, breaking, riding, and working horses.  Indeed, I could tell even as a small boy how Grandpa loved horses.  Horses are certainly beautiful and powerful creatures, but they are of little practical value to their owner if they have not been “broken” for use—and this brings me to my main point.  The concept of “breaking a horse” for working or riding illustrates the truth that individuals must also be “broken” for God.  An untamed horse is resistant to being under the control of its owner; however, this animal becomes useful and his strength harnessed only when he has finally been broken.  We are, likewise, naturally resistant and rebellious to God’s “bridle and saddle,” and we are not, by our own sinful nature, very willing to be under the guidance and control of another.  Nevertheless, it is in our “brokenness” and weakness that we truly become useful for the needs and desires of our Master.  The Bible says, “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).”  May God bless you as you yield your life in submission to the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Bondservant—Dennis