Devotion: Why Brokenness Provides a Way
“Broken crayons still color.” ~Trent Shelton
I read the above quote to my dad, and he said, “When I think of broken crayons, I think of a moment in kindergarten when I asked a boy if he would share his crayons with me. Instead of taking turns using different crayons, he took the one in his hand, broke it, and gave me the other half.”
In Acts chapter 27, Paul tells the story of his tumultuous voyage toward Rome. The journey grew increasingly challenging as they faced hurricane-force winds, relentless waves, and a loss of courage among those aboard.
Their journey came to an abrupt halt when the ship struck a sandbar:
But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.
The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely. (Acts 27:41-44)
“In this way.” What way is that exactly?
The way the ship broke apart providing enough pieces for everyone. The way they didn’t stop until they made it. The way they used whatever they could.
Brokenness provided a way.
Immediately my mind went to the cross— Jesus’ body being broken for us. His brokenness provided a way. Not just any way, but the only way for us to reach our heavenly Father.
In this day and age, we tend to throw away broken things. Perhaps broken things are ugly, less effective, disappointing, or less desirable than something new. But you know what? Something whole and new can also take some of the glory.
Did someone draw something beautiful? Must’ve been her fancy supplies. Did someone run fast? Must’ve been her new shoes. Did someone sail across the ocean? Must’ve been her top-of-the-line boat.
When you see an artist using broken crayons, a runner in raggedy shoes, or a sailor navigating a modest boat, then you realize true success has nothing to do with resources or circumstances and everything to do with God. He’s the one who gives everyone the ability finish well regardless of his or her equipment.
When you have nothing but fragments in front of you, you’re forced to cling to the fullness of a God you can’t see.
Remember the end of Acts 27. The ship crashed and fell to pieces. They took hold of what they could and made it to shore.
If you don’t have new crayons, an ideal situation, or even the proper means to do what you have to do, take heart. Brokenness isn’t an excuse to abandon your mission. It’s an opportunity to grab hold of the pieces and trust God for a better way to finish the job.
Broken crayons still color, and pieces of a boat can still get you to shore.
Don’t be tempted to throw away what is broken. Trust God. Watch how he uses your faith fragments to finish the story. In this way, God will get the glory.
Dear Heavenly Father, use our broken pieces. Use the broken pieces in our families, workplaces, churches and countries. We are battered, and many have lost hope. We have a tremendous need for you to use our brokenness to create stories of forgiveness, love, and grace. We ask that you would do this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture for Reflection
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 15:6)
Reach for More
This week’s challenge is simply to look at one broken thing in your life and ask God to use it for his glory.
Please, come back and leave a comment telling us about how God spoke to you this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you!
Lindsey Feldpausch is a creative writer, graphic design enthusiast, social media coordinator, and sinner saved by grace who lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her worship leader/youth pastor husband and four delightful kiddos fill life with unbelievably amusing quotes and sweet snuggles. She thinks God is awesome and that the best adventure starts with saying yes to that still, small voice.
Photograph © Bethany Beams, used with permission
Beautiful. My ship is a little battered today. Thank you for encouraging me to cling to my brokenness to help me finish the journey.
Thank you Kelly! Your posts always encourage me!
Oh wow did I need this encouragement. Thank you.
As I read this, I immediately thought of one of our children. His occupational therapist tells us and encourages us to break apart his crayons at home to help him build up stronger hand muscles. What she doesn’t realize is that he hates to look different. “Mom, other kids don’t have to use broken crayons. They use whole ones.” My boy hates feeling broken – labeled as less-than and given broken crayons to stick out even more.
So, I broke every single crayon in our house one afternoon with hot tears running down my face. Every single colored pencil met its end as well. Funny how breaking things can temporarily release stress.
Then it happened. Homework begun, our table became crowded by three little boys and hands everywhere. My oldest looked at me puzzled – you could just tell by breaking his crayons too it just made him question a few things. Was he willing to be broken for his brother. Was it worth it?
In this moment of decision, I just sat there praying silently. I needed him to see how his choice could be the moment of acceptance his brother needed.
He chose to roll with it.
The next day he came home with a backpack filled of broken crayons for his brother.
The following week, I got a call from his school teacher – my son had gone through his class and helped break every single crayon in sight. No joke. He must have had help.
And the best part was – the kids loved it.
I’m reminded that many times brokenness is a label added by our broken view of how our God sees us. What we see as a mess, He sees as a Message. Broken crayons makes Him smile with awesome potential. Brokenness allows us to feel the touch of our Abba putting us together in the way He designed us to be. Brokenness allows us to hear Him singing over us knowing we don’t have it all together. God’s perfect love is for the imperfect crayons out there that dream to create beautiful masterpieces. The best artists know, broken down crayons make the best colors and strokes. God knows what He is doing.
Broken crayons unite!
Great post!!
Somehow over the last several weeks, I’ve been drawn to this idea that ‘broken crayons still color.’ As a pastor of a brand new inner city church plant, I tend to run into lots of people that feel as if their broken lives can no longer produce anything remarkable or beautiful. That is so far from the truth, and as they begin to discover the redemptive work of the cross and begin to fully embrace all that God has in store for their lives, I literally see the sinful mess transformed into a message of hope. Thank you for sharing this beautifully broken post. 🙂