Devo Week 34 - Discerning the Unseen Realm

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matt.10:16

The Air We Breathe - Humility

Most of us would rather bottle-up than break. Yet, it takes a broken vessel to release the fragrance of Christ. Brokenness is one of the preeminent signs of God releasing the apostolic ministry. When we learn, like the Apostle Paul, to embrace humility, we become a great threat to the evil one. “The sacrifices of God are a broken and contrite spirit.” (Ps. 51:17) Only when others encounter the life of Christ in us do we become living epistles -- letters of Christ read by those around us. (II Cor. 3:1-6) Broken vessels release their content; unbroken ones withhold it. Our witness is released through brokenness.

WHO IS FOR US

Jesus championed brokenness. He stood up for Mary when the disciples mocked her for breaking the alabaster jar. This was a powerful act that released worship of Jesus as the Messiah. (Matt. 26:6-13) Jesus even announced that her story would be told wherever the Gospel is preached. Brokenness itself is an act of worship! The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. (Ps. 34:18) Those who are witnesses for Jesus will be recognized by their fragrance of Christ. 

WHO IS AGAINST US

God’s power is seen in our brokenness and humility, but our human tendency is to hide weaknesses and appear as though we have it all together. We like self-preservation and being self-sufficient. As long as we think we don’t need God, we are blinded and led into isolation and deception. Our pride empowers Satan. God’s love is meant to be poured out through us, but we must cooperate with the work of His Spirit. This is part of the “working out of our salvation.” (Phil. 2:12) The influence and power of our testimony will be either hindered or empowered by the level of our brokenness. In a very real sense, we destroy the works of the enemy through our brokenness.

PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH

Lord, we ask You to fashion and form us into Your image. In Your timing, break us and share Your life through us, for when we are weak You are strong. We put our trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!