I broke my watch strap. In the grand scheme of things that’s not a big deal. Apart from the fact that I can’t replace the strap on this particular watch, and this watch does all my clever things I need it to do when running or cycling etc.
So I was feeling miffed. Immediately, I went to good old google to see which new watch I could get. But there didn’t seem to be any that fulfilled all my requirements apart from the one I’d just broken.
Our society is very quick to throw stuff out or replace it if it gets damaged, or if there’s a newer model or design that surpasses our existing item. It occurred to me it’s a good job God doesn’t take the same approach!
Sometimes we disqualify ourselves from being of service to God. We might be battered or bruised, broken or hurting. We might think that because of those things we’re no longer useful. Or maybe we don’t think we match up to the more ‘exciting’ models of disciple – those individuals who have all the energy, all the time, all the charisma and all the faith… so we write ourselves off. We say that we can’t serve, or lead, or share our faith because we’re not perfect – we’re not ‘there yet’ or we’re not ‘as good’ as the next person.
Friend, we will never be ‘there’.
We are always going to be people who are damaged goods. We are starting from a place of brokenness and it’s only Jesus holding us together that means we can ever be of any use to further God’s kingdom and share the good news of Jesus.
“And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
So what did I do about my watch? I’ve superglued it. And now each time I see my imperfect, broken strap, I will be reminded that we can still serve a purpose even if we’re not perfect. God’s power, beauty, mercy and grace will be magnified by your messes, amplified by your brokenness and displayed in your weakness. Don’t wait to join Jesus in the journey of serving and living your faith out loud.
Bring your broken watches, your hurting, cracked, bruised, battered, weary, imperfect selves and offer them at the feet of Jesus. You can still go the distance, still achieve all you were designed for. His power will be made perfect in your weakness. No excuses now then hey….!
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