We have been watching a miracle of God’s healing grace in the lives of some dear friends. It made me think of a favorite go to song during difficult parts of the journey. The song, Bless the Broken Road, became a hit for the group Selah. Here are some of the lyrics.
I set out on a narrow way, many years ago
Hoping I would find true love, along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two, wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn’t see how every sign, pointed straight to you
It is so interesting to look back over the landscape of over three decades of this journey with Jesus. I can see God’s hand in so many events and even heartbreak in my life. My early church experience was a broken road of legalistic and judgmental Christians who crushed the spirit of a young and fumbling Christian. That experience became the basis of my books. I have found many friends who have shared my journey. C.S. Lewis once said that “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, “What! You too? I thought I was the only one!” Sadly, many of us bear the wounds of dealing with imperfect people in the dysfunctional little gathering we call church. Still, God has blessed that broken road.
The broken road for me included the devastating death of a beloved nephew thirty-four years ago. At that point I was a crossroads in my faith. Turn my back on God or get serious in my pursuit of Him. Along the broken road God brought a man named Wendel Deyo into my life (Wendel now heads up a retreat center in Southern Ohio) . His life challenged me and he helped me stay on the narrow way. That relationship led to my association with Athletes in Action. And while on staff with AIA I met the lovely future Mrs.Burchett. And again, God blessed the broken road.
Every long lost dream, led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way, into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Yes He did
It is hard to imagine life without Joni. Her cancer forced me to realize the possibility of that. Now that she is a four year survivor I am grateful but I pray I will never again take her for granted.
I think about the years I spent, just passin’ through
I’d like to have the time I lost, and give it back to you
I remember with great sadness the years I spent working too much, taking my bride for granted, telling her that the schedule would soon “ease up”. But it rarely did. I really wish I had that time back. I would give it to her in a heartbeat. If I could say one thing to young couples and parents it would be to make time for your mate and your children. It took me too long to realize the truth that our schedule reflects our priorities. But somehow Joni hung with me. She had traveled her own broken road.
But you just smile and take my hand, you’ve been there you understand
It’s all part of a grander plan, that is comin’ true
Every long lost dream, led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way, into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
The journey is not easy. Never will be. One of the big mistakes we make in sharing our faith is making it seem like all troubles are over when you embrace Christianity. That is not in the contract. We will still have problems and heartaches and even tragedies. But God will bless the broken road. King David wrote these words while escaping down a broken road…
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
C.S. Lewis also said that no one ever told him that grief felt so much like fear. Don’t be afraid to continue down the broken road. God will meet you there.
Skeptical Believer
That’s a very powerful phrase, “bless the broken road.” It’s so true that being a Jesus-follower does not exempt us from broken roads. In fact, they’re pretty much promised to us! But the fact that He can bless it, and make something good out of something painful is the hope we have as believers.
I ordered When Bad Christians Happen To Good People–I’m only into the 2nd chapter but it is AWESOME Dave. Anybody reading this should go to Amazon immediately and pick it up! I’ll be posting a review of it on my site when I am finished.
SB
rom rosenblum
Wow Dave…always a treat to read your words and those you point to. Knowing what to say (and when) is a blessing, but knowing whom to quote (and in which context) is what seperates the bloviator from the master. You are a master. Don’t look at your shoes, Dave, take the compliment.
We both have been down some of these same roads. The stars above may appear to each of us to be placed differently in the sky, but but that’s just perspective…from the one who places them there, they remain constant and true.
I am blessed to have been in the truck the day I met you…thanks
Rom