The Blessings of Brokenness: Why God Allows Us to Go Through Hard Times

I have always loved Rev. Charles Stanley, listen to his radio program every day, watch his tv sermons, and read many of his books for the last 20 years. He is a sound, biblical Godly preacher that loves the Lord and by his life radiates this every day. He truly listens to the Lord and has such wisdom and discernment. One of my favorite books from Charles Stanley is, "How To Listen To God".His book on "The Blessing Of Brokenness", was very powerful, insightful, and God truly spoke to my heart through Rev. Charles Stanley. We are taught to take care of ourselves, make our own decicions, plan our lives, and proceed in life what we want to do and achieve. Notice it is all I, I, I and not the Lord Jesus Christ. In Brokenness it is losing it all to gain everything, it is seeking the Lord for direction, wisdom, not being self reliant but on the Lord helping us. It is knowing that what ever happens to my life is God ordered and God directed and going it through the toughest times with God. When we refuse God's ways, we are in rebellion and always engineered in pride and fear. This is what stops us from listening to the Lord and obeying Him. When we are broken and sometimes it can take losing it all to be broken, because we can do things our way and don't need help, this is where God's greatest blessing are. We are more sensitive to the Holy Spirit and His promptings. We love people that we never thought we could love. We experience peace in our hearts and minds that only Christ can bring to us, the waves are still ragging all around us nothing has changed with our circumstances, but we have peace. We are more tender with people and allow people into our lives and speak more boldly to them. God uses us in mighty ways and uses our talents and gifts that He has given us. It isn't easy to be broken and give it all up, but the best thing to know that you are in the center of God's will.Absolutely read this book

Reading books that explain God's ways, usually provide a different perspective for me, and give me another viewpoint other than my own. I know that things happen to everyone and sometimes we all wonder, "Why Me" I like to think that I feel, why not me? None of us are exempt from bad things happening in our lives, whether it happens to family, friends of us, there is still an impact.This book offers an viewpoint, of why God breaks us down and then rebuilds us. I know that is happens, I've experience it before and I know, that when God wants me to do something, its better that I go along with it, because it will happen. No matter how much you fight against him, He will have His way. This book tells us why and even why not. It definitely gives us the opportunity to understand that God is constantly working in our lives.I highly recommend it!

This is a powerful read for those who have entered into a trial, or traumatic event in their life. This book will cause the believer to search their heart and soften their heart rather than try to battle through on their own. The message is clear. God wants your heart and He will do what it takes to make sure He has it. You can fight Him, or you can submit. He lets you chose.Dr. Stanley paints a clear picture, and the painting is about the love of God and His jealousy for you. God will not relent. He is ravished for your heart. So much so that He sent His Son Jesus to pay the penalty that is owed by you. And, He will not relent until He holds that amazing you in His hands and says, “This is what I have been waiting for my child.” I shaped you in My image, and now you are ready.” Read this book with an open, surrendered heart. Lean into the teaching and let it soak deep. Let it change you. For me, the choice was the only right choice.

Studying the word of God!

***UPDATE***Thought I purchased like new, but this book hard to find & I purchased only one available. Very reasonable price & condition much better than description. Writing in book is a prayer, cover has a few coffee rings. Pages clean s/o writing. VERY PLEASED with book. I almost always purchase like new, but this was even better. Thank you.

This book was not a fast read but it really spoke to my heart. It gave me a different perspective on being a caregiver for my husband as he was dying. It has helped me as I adjust to being a widow. I now think what does God want to accomplish in my life and how can I use this experience to help others.

It was as ordered this second time. It is to be used as a gift of encouragement.

Im.going through the brokenness process right now and this book made me understand why we have to go through it. A must read!!!

Such a blessing to read, my whole perspective and outlook has changed from reading this book. I will always see how our trials can bring forth fruit-life in our testimonies, so long as we endure! This book is full of God's wisdom and His perspective. Loved it!

Clear and comforting words of truth from Dr Stanley on the real meaning of adversity. As always, a balm for the soul

Fairly good

A few years ago, when I was in the midst of physical suffering, someone loaned me this book by Charles Stanley. I am a Christian, and the teaching I had received up to that point told me that God's plan for us doesn't include suffering, especially physical suffering. So, what was happening to me? I loved God and was following Jesus with my whole heart. I concluded that there must be something wrong with me. Perhaps God had rejected me. I, indeed, felt very broken.I learned from Charles Stanley that I was right in the center of God's will, and He was very much with me. I made notes on the chapters, I prayed for more revelation, and I waited in expectation for what God was going to do, not only for my physical being, but also for my emotional and spiritual being as well. I quote from the cover on the book: "Brokenness is what God uses to replace our self-life with His desires and intents for us", says Stanley. Its end is blessing far greater than we could ever discover apart from being broken - spiritual maturity and joyous intimacy with God; greater depth and power in our ministry to others; new dimensions of freedom, strength and peace.Through studying this book, God brought me into all that was promised above. I learned how to pray powerful prayers for myself and others when I saw them struggling in difficult circumstances. When I found this on Amazon, I decided to buy a copy for myself and I intend to read it again. Since that time of intense suffering, I've had other issues, both physical and emotional that I've had to go through with the Lord. Like most of us, I'll probably face more situations in the future and a reminder of what Stanley teaches will be helpful for me. I also want to be able to loan this teaching to others who need understanding about the ways of God when trouble comes into their lives. I highly recommend this for every Christian who has ever encountered difficulty in his/her life and is confused concerning where God is in it, and why He allowed it.

Found it more 'religious' than 'spiritual' which was what I expected; however, an interesting read. Would not recommend this book.