Redeeming Our Flaws: God’s Plan Amidst Brokenness

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Oliver, Charlotte, and Elliot.

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You ever want to do something but you are to young to do so?

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Sermon

1. Introduction

Many of us wonder why bad things happen to good people?

Why or how would a good Good allow a child to be born with some horrible diagnosis? Cancer, autism, diabetes, or without certain functions.

We’ve begun reading the bible in a year by Nikki and Pippa Gumbel of Alpha using the YouVersion app, and of course in bible in a year plan begins with Genesis.

This plan actually gives a Psalm or Proverb, a New Testament, and a Old Testament reading each day, but it still begins “In the beginning, God created...”

And my plan is to use inspiration from the Holy Spirit and our weekly readings to prepare us a message each week.

In the Creation narrative in Genesis 1, we read of God creating all the things we see and feel… sun,moon, stars, heavens, water, plants, fish, birds, and then man. And all of these things are said to be “good.” After man and woman, “God saw all that He had made and said it was very good.”

Genesis 1 gives the cliff notes version.

Genesis 2 digs in deeper into the details of man and woman being created.

Adam and Eve. They are created, told they have ownership/rule over all things and can eat of anything except two trees in the garden, the Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life.

And if you know the story, you know it wasn’t long before these first human beings failed the test. They gave in after being tempted by the serpent, the Devil, to eat of the tree of knowledge. And then, everything seemingly falls apart.

And today, we blame every bad thing that has happened on those two. And in most cases rightly so.

God knew they would make the wrong choice and cause all this havoc and yet He allowed them… not just allowed, but indeed created them.

Now, let me ask you; Did God create them with a flaw?

The all-knowing omnipotent God created them and allowed them to make a wrong choice. Why?

I honestly don’t have an iron clad answer for you, but the other morning, while doing my bible reading in the plan, this idea of God creating flawed human beings came into my mind and became what we’ll ponder today.

What if say, Adam, was born with a missing toe, or arm. Would His creation still have been “Right” or “perfect” as we some times think of the creation of Adam and Eve being? Would God be less of a Creator, or man be less than what God had planned?

You see, I believe the Word when the Psalmist writes...

Psalm 139:13–14 ESV

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

He formed us…knitted us together…we are all fearfully and wonderfully made.

Now we know, that when sin entered the world, so did death and sickness, and much more.

Romans 5:12 ESV

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—

So we blame, or know, that many of the problems we see in the world today are on account of sin.

Even a child born lame in some way? Who’s sin is it suffering from? What shall it say of it’s flaws when it gets older?

Many that are born with certain conditions, be they physical or mental handicaps, disorders, or “flaws,” wonder, “Are my flaws or limitations from God, or just the result of sin in the world?”

We actually see similar question in John 9, when the disciples and Jesus come upon a man who the text says was blind from birth.

John 9:1–3 ESV

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

If it wasn’t his sin, or his parents’ sin, and he was born this way, was his blindness from God, or the result of sin in the world?

Watch this… and we’ll come back to that question.

Nick Vujicic Video

No doubt Nick faced the same question during his life, “Are my flaws or limitations from God, or just the result of sin in the world?”

What I can tell you for sure, is no matter how your flaws came to be, God has a purpose and a plan for you and those flaws and imperfections.

Scripture shows a God who is sovereign and intimately involved in our creation.

The Genesis account reveals both God’s intentional design and the entry of brokenness through the Fall. Yet, God still works all things for good in His redemptive plan.

2. God’s Intentional Creation

Scripture: Genesis 1–2

God “placed” the sun, moon, stars, and crafted humanity with care (Gen. 1:16–17, 2:7).

Psalm 139:13–14 ESV

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

God “knit” us together, God was purposeful and personally created each and everyone of us with intention and care.

Creation is not random; each of us bears unique worth and purpose. Flaws and all.

No doubt, some of us have disdain for our flaws… We desire to be “normal” like “everybody else.”

Normal is boring.

“The Creator of the universe is a creative God who sees beauty in a rose as well as a cactus.”

We can trust God’s intention in our lives—even if we see weaknesses or imperfections.

You are not broken, you are fearfully and wonderfully created for a purpose.

3. The Entrance of Pain and Shame

Scripture: Genesis 3

When Adam and Eve sinned against God their first response was to look at themselves, see their flaws, and run and hide.

Their sin, effected their perspective.

Nakedness once unashamed becomes a source of shame; they hide from God.

Their Nakedness was More Than Physical

Symbolizes being fully exposed—thoughts, motives, guilt.

Sin’s fallout affects the world at large, including our bodies and minds.

It brought with it sickness and death, along with confusion, disorder, strife, and so much more.

Nothing happens without His knowing or His allowing it.

However, not everything is directly willed by God in a simplistic sense either, but He remains sovereign and can use even our limitations for His glory.

Humanity’s perception is now warped by sin, leading to fear, covering up, self judgement and criticism for sure.

Psalm 139:7–8 ESV

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

One of the most interesting things in the Creation story, is that though God knows Adam and Even sinned, He goes looking for them.

4. God’s Pursuit and Our Worth

God Seeks Out Adam and Eve

Genesis 3:9 ESV

But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

“Where are you?” shows God’s heart in restoring the fallen.

Maybe your flaw isn’t a medical condition. Maybe it’s an addiction. A sin you have either clung to or is clinging to you.

God doesn’t tempt us, Satan does that. But God does test us, and our faithfulness to Him.

Maybe your temptation, your addiction, is a test of your faithfulness to Him.

Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan, but ultimately they faced the test of humanity, obey or disobey God.

Even though they failed the test, and yes they faced punishment for it, God still came in search of them.

Gospel Preview

This is a foreshadowing of Christ’s mission: God continually comes after us.

Even in our brokenness, our sinfulness, or our “flaws,” God calls us by name. We are never beyond His reach.

5. Biblical Examples of “Flaws” for God’s Glory

John 9:1–3 ESV

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Jesus: “that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

What if God is wanting to use your flaws, disorders, or limitations to display His works to others? To receive glory from you? Will you let Him? Will you trust Him in doing so?

Will you allow that idea, and the Holy Spirit, to give you peace in your situation?

John 11 (Lazarus)

God can use even death as a stage for revealing His power.

He allowed sickness to come on Lazarus leading to his death.

He allowed the family of Lazarus to weep over the loss of a loved one.

It was for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.

And because of this, scripture tells is that many of the Jews there now believed in Jesus as the Messiah.

How might God want to use your sickness, your condition, even your loss of a loved one, to bring someone else to Christ for salvation?

2 Corinthians 12:7–9 ESV

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Christ’s power made perfect in weakness.

If your “flaw” a weakness or a gift?

Tie-In to Creation:

The same Creator who designed the universe and put Who thorns on roses, can use thorns for His redemptive purposes.

Was Paul’s thorn a design flaw, punishment, or an adornment to keep Him reliant on the Lord?

6. Created Perfectly? Adam & Eve’s Choice

Genesis 1:31 ESV

And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Were Adam and Eve created perfectly?

God’s original creation is said to be “very good,” meaning Adam and Eve were without sin initially.

However, they were given freedom, and that freedom did not mean immutable perfection.

Freedom, Not Immutable Perfection

They could choose to obey or disobey. Their rebellion wasn’t God’s design flaw but a misuse of free will.

Balancing Our Reality

We are given the same freewill to choose right or wrong in every decision we make. However, we do inherit a bent toward sin, yet God still uses every part of our story for His glory.

We are not free to blame God for our failings. No matter our bent, our issues we were born with, or effects of the fall, we are all responsible for the decisions we make.

7. Holding the Tension with Hope

Even as we acknowledge brokenness and the Fall, we take heart in these truths:

God Is Not Surprised

No physical or mental struggle, no “defect,” escapes His knowledge or love (Psalm 139).

He remains both omnipotent and compassionate.

Our “Flaws” Don’t Disqualify Us

Scripture often shows God displaying His power in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Let me challenge you to change your perspective.

Let us no longer view ourselves (or others) as “abnormal”—we are all image-bearers in a fallen world.

Let us see that our limitations can become the stage for God’s grace and strength.

The Ultimate Restoration

We anticipate a future where all things are made new.

Revelation 21:4 ESV

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

While we wait, God can use our struggles, and our “flaws,” to refine us and point others to His hope.

Closing Video

8. Conclusion & Gospel Invitation

God’s Loving Pursuit Continues

Just as He sought out Adam and Eve, He seeks you—no matter your weaknesses or flaws.

To many that looked upon Jesus on the Cross, they saw a man broken, rejected and forsaken by God. In those agonizing moments Jesus Himself quoted from Psalm 22:

Psalm 22:1 KJV 1900

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

God did not forsake Christ, as He raised Him from the grave three days later, so that you and I, flaws and all, could have redemption in Christ. Saved from God’s wrath against sin through the blood of Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God.

If you’re a believer already and yet you struggle to see your imperfections with the eyes of God, I pray that He gives you new eyes to see that you are fearfully and wonderfully made to reveal His glory through you.

Prayer

Thank God for His sovereign design, ask for grace to trust Him in our struggles, and invite the Holy Spirit to use every part of us to magnify Jesus.

Closing Song

Closing Encouragement

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Workmanship - Masterpiece (NLT)

Next Saturday 1 PM EST!

Post Service Discussion

1. Seeing Ourselves Through God’s Eyes

Psalm 139:13–14 ESV

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

When you consider your own life—your strengths and so-called “flaws”—how might it change your perspective to know that God has “knit” you together with purpose?

How does believing you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” affect your attitude toward your limitations?

2. Brokenness as a Platform for God’s Glory

John 9:1–3 ESV

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

How do you respond to Jesus’ statement that the man was born blind “so that the works of God might be displayed in him”?

Can you think of a time when your struggles or weaknesses became an opportunity for God to show His power or love?

3. The Tension Between God’s Good Creation and a Fallen World

Romans 8:20–22 ESV

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

In what ways do you see creation “groaning” because of sin’s impact—both in the world at large and in your own life?

How do you balance acknowledging the brokenness that surrounds us while still trusting in God’s ultimate plan for restoration?

4. Embracing Weakness to Discover Strength

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul speaks of God’s power being perfected in our weakness. Why do you think God often uses our “flaws” or struggles to reveal His strength?

How can you practically lean into God’s power when your own limitations feel overwhelming?

5. Free Will, Choices, and Our Part in Redemption

Genesis 3:9 ESV

But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

James 1:13–15 ESV

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Adam and Eve were created without sin, yet they still chose disobedience. What does this tell us about the freedom God grants us and the responsibility we have?

How does recognizing our own capacity for wrong choices influence the way we approach our personal “flaws”?

6. Created for Good Works in Spite of Brokenness

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

How does knowing we are “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” shape your view of your abilities and your struggles?

In what ways can you turn any perceived weaknesses into opportunities to serve others or honor God?

7. Moving Forward in Hope

Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

How does the promise that “God works all things together for good” encourage you to trust Him with your imperfections or difficult circumstances?

What next step can you take this week to surrender a personal “flaw” or challenge to God, believing He can redeem it?

Notes

God’s order in creation

Created perfect?

What if we were created as we are?

“The Creator of the universe is a creative God who sees beauty in a rose as well as a cactus.”

With our supposed flaws, issues, for His glory and purpose?

Jesus said the blind man was born blind for His glory.

Jesus waited until Lazarus had died, so that He could be glorified.

Adam and Eve were created perfectly and yet they were given the choice to obey God or their flesh. Like they did, we are all bent to choose our flesh.

God doesn’t tempt us, but things around us may be more tempting than others.

This doesn’t mean we get to blame God for our issues. But instead we need to seek to choose His will over our own.

Each of us has a cross to bear. Maybe it’s an addiction, and yet God says deny it and choose me.

Good planned for those who love me.

God looks for Adam and Eve, though they try and hide from Him.

God comes searching for you, he doesn’t give up on you.