by John Henry Theisen
Senior Pastor, Midway Church, Aubrey/Pilot Point

Broken roads can create a great deal of confusion, doubt, and outright fear.  They can also lead to incredible blessings.  The Bible tells us about two travelers on a road following the death of Jesus Christ (Luke 24). A third man joined them and carried on a conversation during the journey.  They discussed the events of the past few days and how they were puzzled and confused about the man they thought would be “the one”, the hoped-for Messiah.  He had died, and although there were reports of his tomb being empty, everything seemed so unclear.   Their broken hearts led to a temporary “blindness” and they were unable to perceive that the third traveler was none other than the resurrected Christ.

“Bless the Broken Road” is the title of a Grammy Award-winning song that has been recorded by several American Country and Christian music artists – most notably, Rascal Flatts.  The lyrics tell a story of pain and confusion culminating in a blessing unseen during the turmoil of the moment.

Every long lost dream
led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart
they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way
into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
(It’s all part of a grander plan that is coming true)

We may be blinded, numb, and confused on our own broken road.  Perhaps the loss of a relationship, job, health, finances, or some other trial has brought us to a crossroads.  Our limited insight makes it difficult for us to understand why God would allow us to go through such an experience.  This is all part of a grander plan.  Some of God’s greatest blessings are unanswered prayers. Eventually, Jesus revealed His identity to the confused travelers over a meal.   He had been with them all along.  When He broke bread and blessed it, their eyes were opened and they realized that even in the darkest moments of life, God was in control. As a matter of fact, He was providing the salvation they longed for. When King David of Israel was on a broken road, he wrote:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;  He rescues those whose spirits are crushed (Psalm 34:18 NLT).

Broken and blessed is not what we would choose, but it is often what God uses to make Himself known to us in a greater way. Even when we cannot see His hand, we can trust His heart that a greater plan is underway.  We don’t have to be afraid to continue down our broken road because God will meet us there.