Brokenness

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In his book, Illustrations Unlimited, James S. Hewett has a beautiful story about a conversation between an old rabbi and his student. The student asked the rabbi regarding a particular verse in Deuteronomy 6:6—“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart.” “Why is it said this way?” the pupil asked. “Why are we not told to place them in our heart?” The old man answered that it is not within man’s power to place the divine teachings directly in his heart. “All that we can do is place them on the surface of the heart so that when the heart breaks they will drop in.” More often than not, God does not run roughshod on our own free will. He waits until we are ready. The greatest gift that God has given us is our own free will and freedom. God does not mess with human freedom. He allows us to make mistakes, until our hearts are broken. Sometimes, He allows us that we reach “rock bottom”. We take solace in the experience of the apostle Peter who grabbed the hand of the Lord, when he was sinking amidst the stormy sea. Divine assistance is always available. We just have to open our broken hearts to allow the healing power of His word soothe the pains within.