Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance, stuff breaks!
Cars, doorknobs, fingernails, windows, electronic devices, guitar strings, appliances, etc. If you can name it, buy it, and own it, then most likely it can and has broken. So, what happens next? Most try at least once to fix what is broken, either personally or by paying someone who has the right expertise and the right parts. Other than being inconvenienced and annoyed, most things can be restored.
But what about the other breaks? Broken promises, broken dreams, broken hearts, and broken relationships? So, what happens next? Can these be fixed?
I believe so.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – Hebrews 12: 1-3
We Are Surrounded
The writer of Hebrews is referring to the powerful men and women referenced in the previous Chapter 11. Who is your “cloud?’” There are those right in front of us that inspire, challenge us, and have overcome brokenness with strength and steadfastness. When we consider and realize this, we find strength to let go and “throw things off” that hold us back. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.
The Fix
I remember an instance some years ago when our oldest son Christian was about 2 years old, in his car seat strapped in the back when we decided to go through an automatic car wash. Since Cindi and I had done this numerous times, we put the vehicle in neutral and didn’t think anything about it. However, it was our son’s first time!
As the noise of the process got louder from water jets and big swirling brushes, we started to hear a whimper from the back. I turned to observe our son looking left and right, getting more agitated, being gripped by fear of something he didn’t understand. I raised my voice, called his name, and asked him to Look at Me, just at me, not what was going on around him. Though unsure, he started to calm.
This has been a constant image of where my focus should be when things break, on Jesus the author and perfecter of my faith. Not the wind, not the waves, not the hurt. Because he endured it, so can I.
The fix?
Find your “Cloud,” throw off everything you weren’t created to carry, stay on the path, fix your eyes on Jesus.
Consider Him and don’t lose heart!