Interrupting Brokenness

In church one morning recently, we listened to a short talk introducing Operation Christmas child by Samaritan’s Purse. It is an amazing opportunity to give to impoverished children across the world at Christmas by simply filling a shoebox with small gifts. You can find out more by following this link https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

During the talk about how the project operates, the following distinct phrase was used, “in receiving a gift the children have something to interrupt their brokenness”.

There is something quite profound in that statement.

Last year, when we were at our most broken, during the days, weeks and months following our son Nathanael’s accident, we needed something to interrupt the sheer brokenness in our hearts.

During that long period in hospital and rehabilitation, it was a kind nurse or doctor with a smile that brought reassurance, a text message or call from a friend, someone coming to visit us, hug us and pray with us. We are so thankful for the people that did those things.

We all need positive interruptions in our lives. Sleep is an interruption. It causes us to rest from the physical progress of our busy lives. For some, it can bring relief to our minds from carrying a heavy burden. For us, creating a website and writing blogs is a positive interruption. An opportunity to pause and share our experience, and when people take time to engage with us we find encouragement, and that in itself is an interruption from our brokenness.

Jesus was and is the Master Interrupter. In Luke 18:35-43, we read the following,

“As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.” ESV

Notice in verse 40 it says “Jesus stopped and…”

Very soon after this, Jesus was going to suffer the most horrific death on a Roman cross for the sins of the world. Yet, He laid aside the immensity of what He was about to suffer, to stop and bring relief to a man who was blind. After the interruption of Jesus, the man was able to see again. His brokenness was interrupted.

Maybe today, we need to stop and look around us. The world is full of need, but maybe today we can interrupt someone’s brokenness by sending a text message, giving financially to a worthy cause or putting your arm around someone the next time you see them to momentarily interrupt their brokenness.

God wants to interrupt our broken lives. He wants us to meditate on His Word where we can find solace in knowing that He will one day make all things right. We can find strength in Him because He is indeed our strength.

Sometimes, He may take us back into our broken state time and again but for our good so we can experience the interruptions He can give. It is those interruptions that help to keep us going, that help us to endure under great hardship.

We live in a very broken world. Let’s look for ways today that we can interrupt that brokenness for someone else.

Prayer - Dear Lord, You are the one who came to this broken world and interrupted sin, interrupted Satan, interrupted death. Would You please help us to follow Your example and look for ways in which we can help those who have little, who are suffering and broken. We want to be Your hands and feet. Amen.