Matthew 5: 2 - 12 (NIV)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
We are all facing one challenge or another in life. When we bring ourselves to God he sees our pain. He knows what we carry. God is able to deal with our brokenness, our hearts, our pain and turmoil. God wants us to be transparent with Him and to communicate with Him as we would a close friend or family member. Even in our brokenness God can use us, he sees the gifts and talents we have within us that need to rise to the surface. Often our pain supresses these gifts, our selfishness suppresses these gifts and our lack of understanding supresses these gifts.
As Christians we will suffer, it says so in the bible. This does not mean that God cannot use us. God can heal us, he can provide comfort when we feel alone, rejected, isolated, betrayed. Our pain is just as real as those who live their lives to please themselves. Though we may not find comfort and understanding from man, God can provide us with this. Jesus suffered whilst here on earth but he ran the race. His focus was on fulfilling his purpose and this propelled him forward when he felt weak. Jesus felt pain, hunger, loneliness, fear and acknowledged each of these feelings. They were real to him and he cried out to his father in the midst of his turmoil.
Brokenness is nothing to be ashamed of. Often we need to be broken in order for God to bring healing, healing that will allow us to be free from our past in order to fulfil the plans He has for us. Though God cannot shield us from all suffering, he can provide comfort. He can reveal his great love for us and remind us who we are in him.