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Genesis 38:15 Judah noticed her and thought she was a prostitute, since she had covered her face.
If you are ill or injured and find yourself in a hospital, it’s likely the medical staff will ask you to share the level of pain you’re currently experiencing between 1-10. But when it comes to emotional hurt, pain, and brokenness, there is no specific pain scale. What is extremely painful for one person may not be very painful to another, and vice-versa.
What cannot be ignored, however, is one universal truth: Everybody experiences pain, hurt, and brokenness. Nobody is immune from it. We may all feel different emotions but none of us are ever completely alone in our brokenness.
The beautiful thing about the Gospel message is that restoration (or in Jesus’ case, resurrection) comes after embracing the brokenness. We may not immediately understand why things happen the way they do. But we can remain confident in this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). God uses our brokenness to shape us for life in the Kingdom of God.
READING & PRAYERS:
GENESIS 38:12-23 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: In what ways may God be using your experiences of brokenness to shape you?
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, the Gospel message is a beautiful reminder that death leads to life. Just as a seed is buried deep in the dirt, it emerges into a towering tree that can provide fruit and shade for years and years. Continue to reveal to me the seed that has been planted deep within me in my moments of hurt, pain, and brokenness. And allow that seed shape me into a stronger person who can better reflect your love and grace onto others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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