Broken Yet Useful

Many of us struggle with feelings of inadequacy. We wonder if our weaknesses, failures, or brokenness disqualify us from being used by God. Yet Scripture shows us again and again that God does not discard the broken; He redeems and uses them for His glory. The story of Gideon in Judges 7 is a powerful reminder that God delights in using what appears weak to accomplish His purposes.

Gideon began his journey unsure and afraid, but God patiently reassured him. When it came time for battle, God reduced his army from 32,000 to just 300. Why? So that no one could boast in their own strength, but only in the power of God. Broken vessels, small armies, and uncertain leaders are all instruments in God’s hands. When surrendered to Him, brokenness becomes the very stage for His glory.

“When they blew the 300 trumpets, the Lord set every man’s sword against his comrade and against all the army. And the army fled…” (Judges 7:22, ESV)

Our brokenness does not disqualify us. Instead, it positions us to experience God’s strength being revealed.

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Big Idea 1: God Chooses the Weak to Display His Strength

When Gideon’s army was reduced from 32,000 to 300, it seemed impossible to win. Yet God was making a point: victory comes not from numbers or strength but from His power. Paul echoes this truth in 1 Corinthians 1:27, saying God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. Our weakness becomes the canvas upon which God paints His victory.

This is encouraging because it means that no matter how broken or inadequate we feel, we are not beyond God’s use. He intentionally chooses what the world overlooks. Gideon did not see himself as a mighty warrior, but God called him one before he ever stepped onto the battlefield. God sees not just who we are but who we can be in His strength.

When we embrace this truth, we stop disqualifying ourselves and start leaning into God’s power. Our weakness does not hinder His work; it highlights it.

Big Idea 2: Brokenness Becomes a Tool in God’s Hands

In the battle, Gideon’s men carried jars with torches inside. At the signal, they broke the jars, and the light shone brightly, confusing the enemy. It was in the breaking that the light was revealed. This is a picture of our own lives. When we are broken before God, His light shines through us in ways it never could otherwise.

Our culture often hides brokenness, treating it as shameful or unworthy of attention. But God transforms brokenness into usefulness. Just as the jars had to be broken to reveal the light, our own broken places allow God’s glory to shine through. The areas where we have failed, been wounded, or felt inadequate can become the very means through which others see God’s power.

When surrendered to Him, brokenness is not wasted. Instead, it becomes a testimony of grace and a tool for ministry. The gift of brokenness is that it points people away from us and toward the God who restores.

Big Idea 3: God Gets the Glory Through Our Brokenness

If Gideon had won with 32,000 soldiers, people would have praised the size of his army. But with 300, there was no doubt: this was God’s victory. In the same way, our brokenness ensures that the glory belongs to Him. We cannot boast in ourselves when it is His power that carries us.

Paul understood this when he said, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). The fragility of clay jars highlights the treasure inside. Our weaknesses serve the same purpose — they make God’s strength unmistakable.

When people see God working through our brokenness, their attention shifts from us to Him. That is the ultimate goal of our lives: not to make ourselves look strong but to magnify His glory.

Conclusion

Brokenness is not the end of our usefulness but the beginning. Gideon’s story reminds us that God delights in using the weak, the broken, and the overlooked to accomplish His purposes. What feels like disqualification to us is often the very thing God uses to display His strength.

The next time you feel inadequate or broken, remember Gideon’s 300. God does not need your perfection; He wants your surrender. When you place your brokenness in His hands, He will transform it into a testimony of His power and glory.

Action Step

Take a moment to identify one area of brokenness in your life. Instead of hiding it, surrender it to God. Ask Him to use it as a vessel for His glory and allow His light to shine through your cracks.

“God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength.” – Vance Havner

Where have you seen God use your brokenness for His glory? Share your story in the comments to encourage others. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more devotionals and encouragement in your spiritual journey! If this post encouraged you, consider sharing it on your social media or reposting it on your blog to inspire others.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for reminding me that my brokenness does not disqualify me. Use the cracks in my life as places for Your light to shine. May my weakness point others to Your strength and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

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Blessings,

Chad 

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