Could you ask God to break your heart? Sounds crazy, right? But if your heart breaks for the right reasons, the suffering will produce incredible results.
The Baptist preacher Bob Pierce wrote in his Bible, “Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God.”
Pierce regularly prayed these words so that his heart would be broken for hurting children. In 1950, he founded World Vision, and in 1970, he founded Samaritan’s Purse—two global organizations that have accomplished great things for children the world over. Operating from a broken heart, Pierce made a difference.
I heard this prayer years ago and since then have also prayed “break my heart with the things that break the heart of God” (though I can’t claim to have prayed it regularly). Still, I want to be broken over the things that break God’s heart. Shouldn’t my emotions and motivations should match those of the God who lives in my heart?
Jeremiah is called “the Weeping Prophet,” because his heart was broken for Israel.
“I am broken by the brokenness of my dear people. I mourn. Horror has taken hold of me. Is there no balm in Gilead?… If my head were a spring of water, my eyes a fountain of tears, I would weep day and night over the slain of my dear people” 8:21-9:1.
Jeremiah’s heart was broken for Israel—and his life made a difference. The Apostle Paul’s heart was similarly broken: “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart for my people” Romans 9:2-3. Jesus, too, had a broken heart. “As He approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it” Luke 19:41. He said, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem… How often have I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling” Matthew 23:37.
Jeremiah, Paul, Jesus, Bob Pierce—God uses people with broken hearts.
God, break my heart with the things that break the heart of God.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 