(Isaiah 58:8-12)
I INTRODUCTION
Life is full of adversity and pain. This could occur through stress, pressure, unfortunate circumstances, or bad decisions. Many of us find ourselves living in a world that has fallen apart. This study is designed to help us begin where we are now in order to rebuild our broken world.
Whether it is about redefining how we view God and life’s trials/situations, or how to respond to discouragement or temptations, the study gives the solution to find healing and restoration in broken relationships, loss of loved ones and living in difficult circumstances.
A man of God: Chip Ingram has rightly raised the following issues in respect of broken edges:
(a) We live in a fallen world where bad things happen to good people. And when those things happen to us the dispositions/responses of people varied.
(b) There are some important questions that will allow us to go through our pains when our world falls apart, or a relationship breaks up, or finances go upside down or one’s health begins to fail.
(c) What has the Bible to share about moving through or breaking through,when you get stuck in pain and cannot seem to break through the invisible barrier in your life.
(d ) How you can move beyond your pain and rediscover the joy available even now through God’s grace, if we find ourselves in difficult situation, painful relationship or personal loss of a loved one.
II THE OPTIONS NECESSITATING BROKEN EDGES-(James 1:13-15)
(a) Personal Choices
Have you ever considered the reasons, really good people sometimes make bad choices or decisions? For all us, (even good people) there are weak moments, trials and temptation.
When under pressure, we are tempted to abandon God’s character building strategy or program of endurance and opt for short-cuts that promise immediate relief but deliver devastating consequences.
- Tell us one instance in which you abandoned God’s character building process and the resultant effects upon you and people around you.
- It can be said that most of the instances of the breaking of our edges or the death of our loved ones – husbands, wives, children etc. may not be entirely the act or permission of God. James 1: 13- 18.
The cycle of sin (desire, deception, design, disobedience, death) plays key role in what happen to us.
(iii) How do you see the cycle at work in your life and at what point must we address same, if we are to overcome temptation and protect our edges?
(b) The scripture Eccl. 10:8 has been variously believed, quoted and interpreted. Let us look at this Scripture from “the broken edges” perspective
(i) What can we regard as “breaking through a wall”?
(ii) Who could be bitten by the snake?
- What can the process of breaking the edges or through a wall here means? James 1:13-15
(iv) What are the likely edges one can break?
(v) What are the likely implications of breaking edges or through a wall?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d
III DELIBERATE ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS
(i) More often than not people, our work, family’s love and trust, property, finance are like edges roundabout us. Sometimes, these edges or fences are caused to be broken and this may not be as a result of one’s fault but deliberate attacks from the pit of Hell. Consider God’s promise-I Cor.10:13. Discuss what happened to Job. (Chapter 1)
(ii) What provisions have you made to protect your edges from being broken?
(iii) Of what importance are the following escape routes for our sustenance
- heed one’s conscience without hesitation 1 John 3:20-21
- application and obedience to the Scriptures Ps.119:9-11
- prayers-Matt.6:13,26:41
- flight-running away II Tim.2:22
- pre-decisions, planning and determination Rom, 13:14
IV PAINFUL TRIALS
- Apart from the issue of sin, attacks and temptations, there is the painful trials, painful trials make one feel like a city without a fence. Trials tend to make us or break us. And many victims of trials fail to move beyond the level of asking why and remain stuck in their pains. But trials and pains are part of life I Pet.4:12, John 16:33,II Tim 3:12.
(ii) We must know that-
(a) Pains and Trials are parts of life and therefore inevitable James 1:4. Have you discovered that it is abnormal and medically improper, if you do not feel pain?
(b) Pains and Trials are strong elements that can make or break us. While a number of people had not survived the onslaught of pains and trials, those who did, had come out stronger.
(c) A lot of people with the experience failed to move beyond the level of asking question. “Why” and remain stuck in their pains.
(iii) For those of us in this situation, we must give consideration to the following thoughts:
(a) How must I consider or be disposed to the situation when my world is broken down or fallen apart? – James 1:2. One needs to evaluate and take a right attitude toward it.
(b) How can I make it through the pains and trials -James 1:3. Having understanding (knowing) of the purpose of the trials and ability to endure.
What window of hope do I have for tomorrow? (James 1:4). Even though difficult, we must allow endurance to have its perfect work. “Be of good cheer….”says the most powerful person who had ever lived on the earth Jn.16:33.Can you heed His call.
V. DISCUSSION
(i) Please share a difficult negative experience of your life and the positive results of the experience in your life.
(ii) What is that area in your life that can be regarded as “broken edge” even now?
(iii) How can you put the truth in James 1:1-4 into practice in your current situations to rebuilding your broken edges? Pains and Trials/Adversities may be God’s instruments to mature us
(a) As human beings, we tend to be self-sufficient, proud and insensitive to God, but God uses (pains/trials) them to compel us to trust/rely on Him at a new level.
(b) It may be God’s means of shifting our focus from the temporal or worldly things to spiritual and more tangible matters.
(c) Through them, we do experience the first hand reality and power of God. Job 42:5
(d) Endurance of hardship help show the people in the world how real God is.
(e) We learnt to become sensitive, caring and loving than before. Those who have been hurt deeply, tend to love deeply (Ingram) Job 42:10-12 and they understand those currently passing through such situations better.
VI CONCLUSION-GOD’S PROMISE
In Isaiah 58:8-12, God promised manifold operations/blessings in a bid to rebuilding our Broken Edges. These promises are very key to our total recovery.
(a) Our light shall break forth as the morning and our health shall spring forth speedily…v,8
(b) Our prayers shall be answered v. 9.
(c) The Lord will guide us continually and satisfy our souls in drought and make fat our bones v.11