close to the shepherd

1 Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5

It's a shocking fact that a good shepherd will break the leg of a wandering sheep. A loving, caring shepherd knows that by taking something away, in time the loss will be replaced by something far better . . . something to keep his lamb strong and protected.

It can seem heartless for God to take away some of the things we so highly value in life. Relationships, health, employment, and other treasured things can be swept away by the Father's loving hand. But when our hearts are broken, we can grow closer in intimacy with our Shepherd as he develops our character (1 Peter 5:3-4). And that's a lesson that must be learned. For it's rough out there. Life can bring a steady stream of temptations. But he wants us on his trail—the safe trail of righteousness. Without the character-building ways of God, we would become weak and defenseless. We wouldn't be able to turn from desires and temptations that could destroy us. That's why it's so important for us to be broken.

God has broken my “leg.” Perhaps he has broken yours. That's why, spiritually speaking, I walk with a limp. Although the experience was painful, I'm glad he did it. For now I'm very mindful of staying close to Jesus. Most of us would not choose to have a leg broken. But what's the alternative? When we refuse to follow the Shepherd, we play right into the hands of the enemy who wants to destroy us. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Strong-willed sheep think much of their own plans and little about the enemy. They misread the trail of righteousness, thinking that a life of ease will lead to happiness. But that's the road to ruin. Brokenness brings us back to where we belong—close to God's heart. —Steve Farrar stevefarrar.com

seeking: Father, what have you shown me about suffering and its purposes? What renewed hope have you placed in my heart?

responding: How does God use hardships to shape my character? How does he use them to keep me from being defeated by the devil? • What does God desire of me as I face my brokenness?

Father, I desire to stay close to your heart. Let me be broken, if it will keep me there and far from the devil. I praise you, my Shield and Shepherd.

following: God keeps us close to protect us.

our journey