Wounded Healers

In a sermon I preached recently, we watched Jesus reach out to the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-15). Specifically, I shared:

“Jesus humbled himself and came to the woman in weakness and need. He was tired, spent, and exhausted. He was thirsty. This is the way he reaches out. He does it in weakness. Not in power and confidence. Not in vibrant, vigorous enthusiasm. But in weakness, the weakness of our common humanity.”

This encounter is the Cross in miniature: Christ’s most powerful ministry comes in weakness and brokenness. What an encouragement! I continued:

“Often we think we need to be at the top of our games, spiritually, to share Christ with others. We’ve got to have all the answers. Our lives have to be perfectly put together. It’s just not true! Jesus drops his guard, he’s weak and vulnerable and in this surprising state, he sees room for a connection.”

This reminds me of one of my favorite insights from a Rick Warren book:

“Other people are going to find healing in your wounds. Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.”
― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?

Where are you weak? Where have you struggled? How have you known pain? Through these experiences, Jesus can connect you with others and use you in ministry. Let him...and watch how he works!