"When It All Falls Apart" by Jordan Bartlett (06/29/2025)

When Life Falls Apart: Finding Strength in Broken Pieces

Life has a way of surprising us, often when we least expect it. One moment, we're sailing smoothly, and the next, we find ourselves in the midst of a storm, clinging to whatever we can grasp. But what if these moments of crisis are not just challenges to overcome, but opportunities for growth and transformation?

The phrase "association does not equal causation" is a powerful reminder that not everything in our lives is as it seems. We often jump to conclusions, attributing our struggles to external forces or divine punishment. However, the reality is far more nuanced. Sometimes, the storms we face are of our own making, born from disobedience or poor choices. Other times, they're simply part of life's journey, neither caused by God nor the enemy.

Consider the story of Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27. The apostle warned the crew not to sail, but they ignored his advice, leading to a perilous journey through a violent storm. This tale serves as a potent metaphor for our own lives. How often do we ignore the still, small voice of wisdom, plunging headlong into situations that leave us battered and broken?

Yet, even in our disobedience, God's grace abounds. The story reminds us that sometimes, our deliverance is tied to our willingness to act. When the ship began to break apart, those who could swim were ordered to jump overboard and make for land. This act of faith – leaping into turbulent waters – was their path to safety.

For some of us, leaving the perceived safety of our "ship" feels counterintuitive. We cling to what's familiar, even if it's sinking, rather than trust in the unknown. But faith rarely makes sense to our rational minds. It requires us to trust in a God who is greater than our circumstances, who can make a way where there seems to be no way.

The Bible is replete with examples of God using the impossible to accomplish the miraculous. He split the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to walk on dry land. Jesus walked on water, inviting Peter to join him in defying natural laws. And in the midst of a furious storm, Christ commanded the winds and waves to be still, demonstrating his authority over creation itself.

These stories aren't just ancient history; they're invitations for us to trust in a God who specializes in the impossible. When life falls apart, we're called to diversify our plans, participate in our own deliverance, and sometimes, pick up the pieces of what's been broken.

The image of survivors clinging to planks and broken pieces of the ship is a powerful one. It reminds us that even in our most desperate moments, God provides a way. Sometimes, that way doesn't look like we expected. It might be messy, uncomfortable, and far from ideal. But these broken pieces become the very means of our salvation.

Throughout scripture, we see God doing extraordinary things with broken pieces:

1. Abraham and Sarah, a couple broken by barrenness, became the progenitors of a great nation.
2. The walls of Jericho, formidable and imposing, crumbled into pieces, granting the Israelites victory without lifting a sword.
3. Jesus took five loaves and two fish, broke them, and fed thousands with plenty left over.
4. Most profoundly, Christ's broken body on the cross became the means of our eternal redemption.

These examples challenge us to reframe our perspective on brokenness. What if the shattered pieces of our lives are not signs of failure, but raw materials for a masterpiece only God can envision?

In our culture of curated perfection, it's easy to hide our brokenness, to view it as shameful or weak. But perhaps it's in embracing our broken pieces that we find true strength. After all, it's often through our wounds and failures that we develop empathy, resilience, and a deeper reliance on God.

Moreover, there's a beautiful solidarity in shared brokenness. The survivors of Paul's shipwreck made it to shore together, some swimming, others clinging to debris. In the same way, our journeys of faith are not meant to be solitary affairs. We're called to support one another, to reach out a hand to those struggling to stay afloat, and to celebrate together when we reach solid ground.

As we navigate the storms of life, let's remember that God is not just the master of calm seas. He's the God who walks on turbulent waters, who uses broken things to create beauty, and who promises to be with us always, even to the end of the age.

So, the next time life seems to be falling apart, pause. Look around at the broken pieces. They might just be the building blocks of your next great adventure with God. Trust in His process, be willing to jump when He calls, and don't be afraid to cling to the debris when that's all you have left. For in those moments of utter dependence, we often find ourselves closest to the heart of God.

In the end, it's not about weathering the storm unscathed. It's about emerging on the other side, changed, strengthened, and with a testimony of God's faithfulness. For it's often in our brokenness that God's light shines the brightest, illuminating not just our own path, but serving as a beacon of hope for others still caught in the tempest.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. We're all in this together, navigating life's ups and downs, clinging to faith and to each other. And together, with God's grace, we will make it to shore, ready to share the story of how even the broken pieces of our lives became instruments of deliverance in the hands of a loving God.