BROKEN
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” Galatians 2:20
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” Psalm 34:18
“In all this you greatly rejoice,though now for a little whileyou may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.7These have come so that the proven genuinenessof your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honorwhen Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7
“Other people are going to find healing in your wounds. Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.”-Rick Warren in “The Purpose Driven Life”
1. When you think of being “broken”, what does this mean to you?
2. How have hardships affected your faith?
3. Have you ever prayed for God to “break” you?
a. Do you think God uses “brokenness” as a disciplinary tool?
b. What role do we play when facing a desperate, broken situation?
4. Do you ever fear being “broken” or something bad happening in your life to disturb your peace?
5. Would you agree with Rick Warren’s quote above? Can you share some examples with us?
a. How has God has used broken areas from your past to help others?
6. Have you ever experienced or been a witness to blessings that followed a period of brokenness?
1 Peter 4:19 says “19So then, those who suffer according to God’s willshould commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good”
1 Peter 5 10-11 says “10And the God of all grace, who called youto his eternal gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while,will himself restore you and make you strong,firm and steadfast.11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
7. What encouragement do you receive from these verses?