In 'Other' Words

"When God is involved, anything can happen. Be open and stay that way. God has a beautiful way of bringing good vibrations out of broken chords."

~ Chuck Swindoll~

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

As I look back over the brokeness of my life, it is apparent how God has worked in each of the situations to bring *good*. In a broken relationship at college, God taught dependence on Him and showed His protection against all earthly odds. In the shatteredness of my parent's marriage, God made me vigilant for my marriage. Although my relationship with my mother could never be called *close*, God has made it respectful. The loss of two pregnancies has shown me the preciousness of two daughters. Brokeness in my life has allowed God to mold me and shape me into the person that I have become. Good has never equated with easy, but it has always exemplified God's grace to grow me into a woman who reflects Him.

Why is it that when we are our most vulnerable God works His greatest miracles? I think, in some part, it is because at those moments we don't have the strength to resist His calls of love. In order for God to work in our lives, we must get out of the way. When we think we can handle life on our own, there is little room for God to work. But in vulnerability, He can show His strength. Chuck Swindoll in this week's quote calls us to "be open." Be willing to see God. In hard times we often swing to two extremes: retreat and wall ourselves up to not get hurt more or allow God to work. Mr. Swindoll is reminding us that God can use the situations only if we are open to His Spirit moving in our life. If we are closed up, all we are going to have are broken chords. If we open our lives to Him, then we can hear the music.

It is easy to look into the past and say, "that's where God was at work, even if I didn't realize it." Sometimes it is more difficult to look at the present and say, "God is at work, even if I can't see it." I pray that you and I will remain *open* and allow God to work.

Father God, you know the struggles of my heart. Hold them in Your hand and work in them. Do not allow me to shut off my heart, but allow it to be an open channel for your work. Give me the strength to be vulnerable and to trust. You know where I believe, help me where I don't believe. And in your grace, may I hear the music you make from the broken chords. Amen.

Join us this week at Joy in the Morning for more discussions of Mr. Swindoll's quote.