Wired for Struggle & Worthy of Repair!

Focal Text: NRSV 7 The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, slave-girl of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am running away from my mistress Sarai.” 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her.” 10 The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will so greatly multiply your offspring that they cannot be counted for multitude.” 11 And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Now you have conceived and shall bear a son; you shall call him Ishmael, for the Lord has given heed to your affliction. 12 He shall be a wild ass of a man, with his hand against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; and he shall live at odds with all his kin.” 13 So she named the Lord who spoke to her, “You are El-roi”; for she said, “Have I really seen God and remained alive after seeing him?” 14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered.

The Big Idea: God wants us to be whole.

“Try to exclude the possibility of suffering which the order of nature and the existence of free-wills involve, and you find that you have excluded life itself.” ~ C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

Introduction:

• We experience brokenness on a variety of levels and in many ways.

• Brokenness can cause us to seek repair in the wrong places.

• Brokenness can prevent new relationships from being established and hinder the growth in current relationships.

• Feelings of brokenness can cause withdrawn behavior, depression, and a lack of motivation and strength.

• Brokenness can stagnate our lives and cause complete spiritual paralysis if not addressed.

• There are strategies for eliminating feelings of brokenness and striving toward wholeness and emotionally healthy spirituality.

• God wants His people to experience wholeness and health in all areas of our lives and contexts.

I. God Knows Where We Are.

A. She was not allowed to choose her own destiny.

B. She was abused by someone who formerly helped her.

C. She lost her sense of purpose and belonging.

II. God Sees Our Pain.

A. God met her where she was without judging her.

B. God understood her position, but He wanted to give her a new perspective.

C. God reminded her that we are never “broken” to the One who has the power to fix us.

III. God Restores Us When We Feel Broken And Alone.

A. God confirmed her fruitfulness.

B. God affirmed her purpose.

C. God restored her sense of identity and her hope.

D. God led her back to a sense of belonging and made her feel valued.

What’s in It For Me? (W.I.I.F.M.)

1. What are the “broken” areas in my life? How might I begin my personal path to healing?

2. Who are my accountability partners? Do they help me address my pain and past hurts?

4 Quick Steps to Wholeness and Healing

1. Ask God for healing.

2. Be honest with others and yourself.

3. Be willing to forgive others and forgive yourself.

4. Embrace God’s healing, plan, and will for your life.

“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” ~Brené

Brown