We must all be broken in order for Him to rebuild us in His image. We who follow Jesus can run from the Breaking for years if we choose, but eventually it will catch up with us. If you are truly following Him, indeed you will be broken.
It may seem cruel but it is truly out of love. You may lose just a little or end up losing everything. If it is worldly things that we covet we should be prepared for the possibility that they may one day be gone. If we choose to follow Him down the path to eternal life, we will likely leave much wreckage along the way; appearing like that stripped-down, rusted-out, smashed-up and junked 1953 Chevy that is overtaken with weeds. Jesus said, as written in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 16 and verses 25 through 26: For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
I have seen the poor in worldly attributes filled with riches in Spirit. They drive 15 year old cars with rusted panels and leaky mufflers. They purchase their clothes from Rescue Mission and Salvation Army thrift stores. They struggle to make the rent in modest apartments that are sometimes in unsafe neighborhoods. They buy groceries from Aldi and the Dollar General.
Yes, I have seen so many like the above described who love the Lord and follow Him with obedience. Some of them once lived a more prosperous life and then lost it. Some of them once ran successful business and watched helplessly as those businesses crumbled. Some of these have lost marriages and houses and live away from their children. Some of these are on the verge of homelessness and don’t know where on this earth they will land – and yet they cling to the Lord through this painful breaking.
It is these and those who have lost more and suffered worse that He will truly rebuild and conform to His image.
You may follow Christ and walk through this life with material wealth and abundance. Everything may swing your way and the smile may never leave your face. Your business may prosper and your children may receive scholarships to fine colleges. You and your spouse may be coiffed, tanned, and dressed in fine clothes. You may be highly-regarded in your church and your ministry. Opportunity may stack upon opportunity. You may indeed be blessed to name it and subsequently claim it.
I hope that you have already been broken, as the above described would be a lot to lose.
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