About Your Broken Heart

Psalm 34:18 NIV - The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Has God ever broke your heart?

14 years ago, I experienced the tsunami of setbacks in my life.

– our 10-year-old son Alec died unexpectedly

– my wife was diagnosed with a form of breast cancer

– our other son was diagnosed with superior mesenteric artery syndrome, which has a mortality rate of 33%

– I was hospitalized and diagnosed with diabetes

– both of my businesses failed

– we lost our home, cars, and savings

– at our lowest point, we had $9 in our account

The setback was very public and I felt humiliated. Friends began to disappear. Spectators began to criticize. Both friends and family talked behind our backs.

Though my faith was very strong, and I knew God was with me, I knew He would rescue me, my heart was broken. I was crushed.

I knew God could have stopped it. But He chose not to. I wasn't mad at Him, just disappointed in Him. I didn't understand.

Do you remember the story of Lazarus in John 11? Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. Lazarus had become very sick and they sent Word to Jesus to come and help. To heal their brother. They knew Jesus had the ability to heal their brother. But instead of rushing to see Lazarus, Jesus delayed His trip more than two days.

Now Jesus originally stated Lazarus's illness would not result in death. Yet by the time Jesus arrived Lazarus had been dead for four days. Mary and Martha were brokenhearted. They were crushed. Jesus could have prevented his death, he could have hurried up a bit, but He chose not to.

Can you imagine calling the paramedics for a loved one and they wait several days before they responded?

So by the time Jesus shows up, Mary and Martha are crying and Martha tells Jesus, "If you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw how brokenhearted they were, He became troubled Himself, and He wept. Jesus then went to the tomb and ordered Lazarus to come out. After four days in the tomb dead, Lazarus was raised from the dead.

If you have a broken-heart, if your spirit is crushed, take a look at these 3 biblical promises.

Psalm 34:17-19 NIV

- The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

- The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

- The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.

It starts out declaring a promise of deliverance. But then the scripture acknowledges you will experience the trouble. That you will become brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. But it finishes declaring you will be delivered from ALL of your trouble.

You see, God often allows death for a resurrection opportunity. In my personal story, after what seemed like an eternity, God delivered, transformed, and restored us.

I believe when God sees you crushed and disappointed in Him, He weeps for you. Even though He's already planned for your situational resurrection, He's moved when His children suffer.

They why does He allow it? In my case, every victory in my life has come through tests and trials. My perception of what's possible through God has increased exponentially. And so has my empathy for others suffering. It's why I started CanaGlobal. Without my trials in life, I wouldn't be who I am today.

Many of you have shared what you are going through. Even though I know what God has promised to do for you. I weep for you. I'm sad for you. I pray for you, daily.

Stand strong. Endure. Your are tougher than you think. Your resurrection moment is coming sooner than you think!

-Gerald