Obedience and Surrender

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I Still Do!

A Broken Vessel

By Therese Marszalek

I stared at the repaired flower vase. Careful hands had rearranged and glued the shattered pieces back together. Inside a candle flickered, casting beautiful shadows on the wall. The beautiful vessel reminded me of my own life.

In the fall of 1987, I gave birth to my first child. In the midst of a demanding career and crumbling marriage, my son James became my refuge. Six weeks after he was born, his father announced he was ending our marriage.

For James’ sake, I moved on, searching for a new beginning. Surrendering, I laid my failed marriage and broken life at Jesus’ feet.

Pouring His love into my wounds, God gathered my shattered pieces and rearranged them. I trusted Him as He led me from the valley of the shadow of death into the promised land of victory.

While I focused on rebuilding my life, God led me to Tom. A man of integrity, Tom treated me with respect as a woman and a mother. Because I was accustomed to abuse, being honored felt unfamiliar and even uncomfortable. Tom patiently taught me to receive and embrace genuine love. In 1991, we were married.

As I continued to look at the vase, God whispered to me, “Do you see the fruit?”

I thought of my 17 wonderful years of marriage to Tom and the growth of our family.

“Yes, Lord,” I smiled. “I see the fruit.”

“There’s more,” God whispered again. “Do you see it?”

I saw it. When I had offered Him my empty vessel, God fueled me with a passion for ministry—to see women find victory in Christ.

God doesn’t waste our pain, but uses it for our good, the good of others and His glory. He brings beauty from broken lives like mine, transforming us into His glorious masterpieces.

Spokane author and columnist Therese Marszalek is a dynamic speaker and freelance writer. Her monthly column has appeared in the Inland NW Christian News since 2000 and over 300 of her articles have appeared in multi-denominational publications across the country. For more information see www.breakingoutministries.com, or email Therese at kingskids5@comcast.net.