Bent But Not Broken

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13

Just like the palm tree in hurricane winds – it may bend near the ground, but when the storm passes, it rises again. That’s you! The storm that hit your house, the winds that blew against your mind, your family, your marriage and your heart – but by the grace of God, you are still standing!
 
You were knocked down, but not destroyed. And I dare you to declare to yourself and to the world, “I’m getting back up by the grace of God.”
 
Noah faced the storm of all storms! As people rejected the grace of God and desperate hands scratched at the door to get in, the one door was finally shut. But inside, with no steering wheel, no anchor, and no sails, Noah had no control – just faith! Sometimes God allows storms that you can’t steer, can’t fix, and you just have to ride it out by faith. But remember, even in those storms, God is in control!
 
Some of you are in that same place – you’ve peeked out the window, but you haven’t stepped back into life. The flood is over, but you’re still sitting in the ark.
 
But hear me: it’s time to come out! It’s time to rebuild. I know the house is gone. I know the loved one is gone. I know your life is full of debris. I know the memories hurt. But if God helped you build once, He’ll help you build again.
 
Peter was in a prison—locked up, chained down and bound. But the angel of the Lord came, struck him on the side, and said: “Rise up quickly!” And the chains fell off. God is saying that to someone today. You’ve been in a prison of fear, betrayal, rejection and depression. But the storm didn’t break you. You're bent, but not broken!
 
Someone today has been living with yesterday’s pain. But I remind you, quit dragging around what’s already under the blood. If it’s under the blood, it’s gone. If it’s under the blood, you’re forgiven.
 
The pain that you thought would kill you, it didn’t. The failure you thought would finish you, but you’re still here. You’re bent, but not broken.
 
So rise up, rebuild, restore, and return to the life God has given you. God’s not finished and guess what – your story is not over!
 
Pressing On Together,
 
Pastor Paul