Broken to be Fixed

I remember how in January 2024. I had a mighty fall down the stairs, resulting in a very sprained ankle, and broken elbow... It wasn't till a follow-up appointment that we found out that I had several fractures and a torn ligament in my elbow, requiring surgery, which happened in early February. At the time I felt I had to be "broken" again to get fixed, since my pain had eased up prior to surgery...

I'm totally feeling the same today. I had to be " broken" to be fixed. Sure, I had a constant cough, but I had rebuilt much of my strength since "the fall" and was able to do almost all the things, and worked hard around the house & yard, perhaps with a few extra breaks. I didn't realize how " broken" I'd be now, over six weeks post surgery. Still, so much pain daily. I have to look hard to see improvements. I'm letting myself wallow here a bit... I'm so anxious to see the fixing part. Thank God, my cough is mostly gone. The worst thoughts are my fears of long term nerve pain... I know at least 4 people who struggled with this for years. I pray for them when I pray for myself... Oh, Lord, isn't enough, enough? And yet I know their pain has been so much longer than 6 weeks. My heart aches for them - I'm closer to understanding how they feel. I pray that this too to pass for them and myself.

In contemplating being broken to be fixed, I started realizing, that can often be what brings us to a saving faith in Christ. When confronted with our own sin, our own brokenness, that is the moment when we are ready to accept Christ's plan to fix our sin. Brokenness brings true repentance and acceptance of the forgiveness offered by Jesus. That kind of brokenness, results in the best kind of fixing in the world! It's lasting in this life and all eternally! I'm so grateful!

I'm sure there is still a reason for my a slow recovery, my continuing pain, God knows. He isn't missing or surprised. I just wish I understood and could be more patient!!