Broken Down

2 Corinthians 4:8
"We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-"

I was waiting in line for the bus that would take me back home from visiting my girlfriend over the weekend.  Moving forward after it arrived, I was stopped short with others only to see those that had boarded coming off the bus and their bags unloaded.

The Bus had broken down, we learned, and another, older bus was on its way.  When it arrived, the passengers in front of me were able to board first.  When I got on board, there was an open seat right by the door and I took it, only to learn that the seat was broken.  It would not stay completely upright; however, the bus was full and this was my seat.  Once underway, I plugged in my phone to charge it, only to learn that the outlet was broken.  When we arrived at our rest stop, I needed to use the Men's room.  The stall I chose had a broken latch and would shut properly.

I thought to myself, "Broken bus, broken seat, broken outlet, broken door..."

After I boarded the bus, ate my dinner and started to read, God spoke to me.  He wanted me to experience a bit of brokenness to see how I adjusted.

     I told him it was not so bad.  The seat reclined to take a nap.  I only used my phone to call my girlfriend and I would charge it in the car on the way home.  And the bus broke down in the station, not on the turnpike, where we might of been stranded.  I told him that I shared with the guy next to me that there is a devotional in here somewhere.

     Then God had me think about all I have been though the last 9 months and letting me know it is all temporary.  This is a season, a quiet time and a time for building character.  That I need to press into him and move forward in faith.     

2 Corinthians 4: 17-18
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.  While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 

If you feel broken; that things are out of control; that you are weighed down by life and not sure where to turn; God understands.  He will not let us go.  He is at work in your life refining you and working in your life.  He has a plan for you and wants you to shine.  The next time you feel broken down, ask God to pick you up.  He is always there for you.