THE UPPER ROOM ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 22nd March 2023, Wednesday Message. As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
Resilience and Brokenness
Sue Konkel (Wisconsin, USA)
TODAY’S READING
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
KEY VERSE: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
In the winter I often walk through the woods with my dog. To make paths for us, sometimes I break off branches that are in the way. Most of them snap and easily break off, but some are so resilient that no matter what I do, they bend but don’t break.
I used to think that I too should never break. I thought I should be so grounded in and sustained by my faith that in any circumstance, I could bend without breaking. But then in the spring, I witnessed the broken branches beautifully sprouting new growth. I realized that being resilient is worthwhile, but allowing myself to be broken could have its advantages too. Being pushed into new growth expands my perspective, possibilities, and potential. When I let go of old patterns that no longer serve me, new patterns can take their place.
This has been a challenging year. While I have maintained an underlying resilience, I have also experienced moments of great brokenness. Being faithful doesn’t always come with clear answers. Maybe there is a time to be resilient and a time to be broken. Perhaps we can embody both resilience and brokenness at the same time. Our spiritual journey just might require both.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, help us to welcome both resilience and brokenness. Create new growth in us so that we may reach our highest potential. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Brokenness allows for new and beautiful growth.
PRAYER FOCUS
To seek new growth
READ MORE
More From Sue Konkel
The Upper Room is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More