Have you ever had this experience? A fragile, cherished vessel slips from your hand, crashing to the surface below. You likely have observed your own heart in a similar way after a deep disappointment, loss or betrayal. How can you repair something that’s now scattered about in a million pieces?
The world tries super glue, the devil suggests a trash can, but God alone has a way of fixing things so that something greater comes forth. God’s healing power is mirrored in the beautiful art form called “kintsugi,” where broken vessels are repaired with gold in a way that goes beyond repair—and a more beautiful piece is formed. The word “kintsugi” literally means “golden joinery,” and is a perfect picture of what the Spirit of God does when He touches the very area in which the devil seeks to break us. In this ancient Japanese art of repair, the artist does not try to hide the history. Rather, the history is highlighted with veins of gold, or perhaps silver, thus adding a new dimension to the vessel's value and beauty.
This concept is exemplified in the human body as well. When a bone is broken it comes out stronger in the place where the original break was formed.
Look at Jeremiah 18, where in the midst of Jeremiah’s frustration with his nation, God reminded the prophet that He alone is the Master Potter and has power to create and recreate when a vessel is marred.
The celebrated 19th century preacher, Charles Spurgeon, once uttered this impromptu prayer: “Lord, You have done more with us than You did with Thomas, for he was told to place his finger into the open wounds in Your hands and side, but You, O Lord God, have done something greater with us, for You placed Your finger into our open wounds and healed them.” Indeed, God puts His finger into the wounds in our life and seals them with gold.
In the final hours of Jesus' life, He warned Peter that the enemy sought to sift the young apostle and rob him of his calling. Why did Jesus pray for Peter to come through the ordeal successfully? Why not rather pray that Peter be able to sidestep the sifting in the first place?
In some way, the warfare intended to be used by the enemy to break us actually makes us stronger and of greater value!
All heroes go on a heroic journey where they engage in a fierce struggle against a worthy opponent, only to become transformed as a result of their conflict.
Joseph was made stronger by the ordeal of betrayal, David was fashioned into a commander in the cave of Adulum. The frail Jedi Obi Wan engaged in a lightsaber duel with Darth Vader in order to buy time for the next generation to escape. ”Strike me down,” he warned Vader, “and I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.”
Consider this: Given a choice between sparing you temporary discomfort or letting you have a moment's light affliction in exchange for an eternal increase in reward, which would you want Him to choose for you? Is it better to deliver you “from” the process, or deliver you “through” the process?
Many times you are delivered from the fire, but when you walk “through” the fire, God declares “I will be with you!” You will come out a winner on the other side, and like Peter, Joseph, and David, the new vessel will be able to contain and reveal a whole new level of glory.
God is the ultimate “kintsugi” artist!
Great examples! I am praying for my strength in the healing God is doing in me.
A timely message much needed for such words are most comforting. Thank you 🙏
This could not have come at a better time. I lost my wife six months ago and it seems as if my whole life has been fractured. This is so encouraging that God in his own time in his own way it’s going to heal me and rebuild the broken vessel that I am. Thank you for this very timely word. It has so encouraged me.
I’ve been feeling like I was going to literally have a nervous break- down and loose my mind with anxiety and apprehension in this season, Lance, thanks ever so for this word from heaven that is a balm for my soul!!!
So encouraging, thank you.!
Thank you dear Lance for this message of encouragement and understanding. I praise God for this timely blessing of His strength and never ending love and compassion towards us. KL 🇦🇺God bless you.
Thank you, Lance for the word You’ll Be Stronger Than Ever it speaks to my heart. Many times, I have felt disappointed and not gotten the thing that I desired to have. It is at such times that I have a poor, poor, pitiful me moment, but then I get over it and get on with life.
I also have experienced the brokenness and hardships that has come through life experiences. However, I would not want to change a thing, because such experiences have only made me stronger.
I believe the Lord does allow us to go through some tough times to strengthen us and make our faith in Him strong. There are times that I would like to have some smooth sailing though.
Could you and your lovely wife, Annabelle, please pray and agree with me for good health, healing, and wholeness, according to the written word Matthew 18:19, to be healed and made well and get the victory over sickness today? God bless you!
Thanking you.
Marian
Needed this one today so much. When alone the voices we read are so valuable to a hungry heart.
I know the chink in my armor will be filled in with holy spirit gold.
Please know your messages are like that gold to one who having done all, just stands.
Thank you for that awesome word!! My daughter (46 yrs) went thru a horrible accident last July falling 2 stories and shattering both her heels! (Calacanis bones) They had to open her heels to put in plates and screws. She has gone thru much depression (crying daily for over 7 months now) pain and heartbreak.
She is beginning to walk a little more but finds it slow and and painful if she’s on her feet too long. The dr. said it can take up to 2 yrs but will never be totally normal, she found out she is not healing right so she may have to have more surgery, I passed this word on to her I am believing God to turn it ALL around for her good and His GLORY The Devil is a LIAR!! She believes God has forsaken her because she doesn’t hear His voice. She was a worship leader . She is not the same happy, fun person anymore. But I KNOW God has a PLAN!! He will restore her, heal her broken bones, broken heart and spirit raising her up to do GREATER things!! AMEN!!!!
Blessings to you Chris and your daughter. I am sure she will come through it stronger – and with God’s golden finger healing her [that is a lovely thought, isn’t it?] – but pain never improves anyone’s sense of humour, does it? It seems that God is asking a lot of his little apostles to co-operate with hardship of one kind or another, perhaps to help convert some of God’s stubborn children, and to help us all get through whatever lies ahead. God luv ya both.
LANCE, this speaks to me way down deep inside as few things have ever touched me at this level before—-Perhaps two or three at the most. What a Powerful anointing is on You as You present this message.
Last year, when I saw in the Spirit a powerful anointing descending on You—I knew it was HUGE—I just did not know how HUGE!
Beautiful truth indeed!! I have seen God use the brokenness in my life and transform it into something better!! Thank you for this good Word!!