In a world that celebrates strength, perfection and self-sufficiency, the Bible offers a powerful countertruth: God uses broken things.
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
While society discards what’s cracked or shattered, God leans in. He doesn’t throw away the broken—He uses them, restores them, and turns their pain into purpose.
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals a pattern: before God uses someone mightily, He often breaks them deeply. Abraham had to let go of his self-reliance. Jacob wrestled until he limped. Peter wept bitterly after denying Christ—only to later preach with power at Pentecost.
Brokenness is not rejection— it’s preparation.
Consider Gideon’s 300 men (Judges 7). They held pitchers with torches inside, but the light didn’t shine until the vessels were broken. Only then did God’s power scatter the enemy. Like those jars, we often must be broken for God’s light to shine through us. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:7, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
In the feeding of the
5,000 (Matthew 14), Jesus “blessed, and brake, and gave” the bread. He didn’t multiply what was whole—He multiplied what was broken. God often breaks us not to hurt us, but to use us. What isn’t broken cannot be shared.
In Mark 14, a woman came to Jesus with an alabaster box of precious ointment—very costly and fragrant—and she broke the box and poured it on His head. This act was not wasteful, as some murmured, but deeply worshipful. The breaking of the alabaster box released the fragrance that filled the room, just as brokenness in our lives can release the sweet aroma of true devotion. Had the box remained unbroken, the ointment would have stayed sealed inside.
Likewise, when our pride, plans, or hearts are broken before the Lord, our lives become a poured-out offering, honoring Christ in ways that untouched strength never could.
Even Jesus wasn’t exempt. “ This is my body, which is broken for you,” He said (Luke 22:19).
The Son of God was bruised, beaten, and broken—not for His own sin, but for ours (Isaiah 53:5). The greatest act of love came through the greatest act of brokenness.
Joseph’s dreams seemed shattered when he was betrayed by his brothers and cast into prison.
But God used every hardship to shape him for greater glory. Years later, Joseph declared, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good” (Genesis 50:20).
Even when the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked in Acts 27, those on board survived—not by sailing in safely, but by clinging to broken pieces of the ship. Sometimes God gets us to our destination not on smooth seas but through stormy trials.
There are some ways that I have discovered God uses brokenness.
First, to reveal our need for Him. Paul’s thorn in the flesh reminded him that God’s “strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Brokenness removes pride and reminds us we can’t do it alone.
Second, to refocus our perspective. Like Asaph in Psalm 73, we may feel overwhelmed—until brokenness brings us back to eternal truths. It sharpens our spiritual vision.
Third, to refine our character. Like gold in a fire, trials purify us (Job 23:10). Brokenness isn’t punishment—it is purification that leads to transformation.
Fourth, to prepare us for greater use. Clay must be pressed, molded, even crushed before it becomes a vessel. God, the Potter, is shaping us for His purpose (Isaiah 64:8).
And finally, to draw us closer to Him. “ He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). Sometimes God lets everything fall apart so that we will fall into His arms.
Are you broken today? Good. That means God is near. He’s not looking for perfect people—He’s looking for surrendered ones. Those that humble. Those that are broken. Lay your pieces at His feet. He’s the only One who can turn brokenness into beauty.
Jimmy Barrett is a resident of Blackshear and pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Waycross.
