“God doesn’t use anyone He doesn’t first break” (Chuck Swindoll). Most seasoned maturing Christians will agree. Here’s the way it sounds from Paul as written in 2 Tim 3:12, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
All? Yes. Every single one? Yes. Persecution is one way we are broken. And many times GOD is the active One in breaking (Discipline) us. Consider Hebrews 12:5…
My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by Him; 6 For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He scourges every son whom He receives.” 8 if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children & not sons. 10 He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. 11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
When God disciplines His children, it is for a good reason… “to share in His holiness.” God goes after our idols that we cling to tightly. He rips them from our hands and heart so that we rely completely on Him alone. If that means He sheds our blood to do it, it will happen. If it causes us weeping, He will do it. All because He is making sure we are conformed to the image of Christ.
What does brokenness look like? Here it is in one word… humility. When a person has been broken, they are not arrogant. They are quick to forgive… they are long suffering with others… they are merciful and gracious. They don’t keep record of wrongs but seek restoration and reconciliation with everyone. They don’t hold grudges or slander others or demand their way. They aren’t angry or accusing of others. And above all they are unconditionally loving. Oh… one last element… the person will grow in humility. If a person isn’t characterized by those traits, they have not experienced brokenness… completely… yet.
The fruit brokenness produces is ultimately peaceful.