William Moses Tidwell wrote in his “Effective Illustrations” (which would seem pretentious if the title weren’t so apt; I’ve remembered this illustration for years) the following about brokenness before God:
A lady traveler was spending the summer m Switzerland, and one day she strolled out to a shepherd’s cabin. As she peered into it, she saw the shepherd at work and his sheep lying around near him. One was lying on some straw somewhat afflicted. On inquiry she found that its leg was broken, and she was much surprised when the shepherd admitted that he broke the leg himself. He then went on to explain to his astonished visitor that this particular sheep was the most wayward one in the flock. It would not mind his voice; but, on the contrary, would wander off from the rest, and risk its life on some steep precipice over which it was liable to fall and be killed. Not only was it disobedient, but it was constantly leading others astray. Finally, the shepherd broke its leg.
The first time he went to feed it after that, the sheep tried to bite him. Then he left it alone for two days without food. Then, when he brought it food, it not only took it, but licked his hands in appreciation of his kindness. The shepherd then told the visitor that in a little while the sheep would be well, and then would be the model sheep in the flock; that there would not be one that would pay better attention to his voice, and that it would be an example to all the rest. He said, “It will have learned obedience through suffering.”
How like our heavenly Father with His sheep! He is not breaking their legs, but often He breaks up their plans, breaks down their air-castles, breaks up their fond hopes. God had to dislocate Jacob’s leg before he would properly yield his all to Him. Maybe we have not carefully obeyed His voice. Maybe we have not been setting the right examples before others. Maybe we have been getting too close to the precipice. 0 God, at any cost or discipline, help us to be Thine obedient sheep!
Yesterday, culminating two weeks of consciously wrestling with God (and if we’re being honest, months of unconsciously doing so), was a time of breaking for me and for one I love. Whatever happens from here on out, whether we are drawn back together or God has other plans, they will be the for the best.
