Beautifully Broken
- awmedia4
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
God has a remarkable way of turning what is broken into something beautiful for His glory.
Three years ago, if you had asked me about my aspirations, I would have talked about the American dream—landing a good job, buying a house, and traveling frequently. Fast forward to today, and my focus has shifted entirely; my life’s purpose now revolves around serving God’s kingdom. I made the bold choice to sell my home and leave my stable job to dedicate myself to full-time ministry. This journey feels perfectly timed, as I trust that God has guided me this far and will continue to support me. It hasn’t been an easy path; the decision was tough, but I’ve seen God’s provision in my life, which reassures me as I navigate this new chapter.
A little over three years ago, I was preparing to buy a house and moved in with my sister and her family to save money. She had one condition: I had to attend her church. After stepping away from my multi-ethnic church during the pandemic, I was hesitant about joining a Hmong congregation again. However, her church had just welcomed a new pastor and his wife, who were committed to fostering growth in the church and community. About a month into attending, my sisters and I went to a midweek prayer session where I met the pastor’s wife. With her radiant smile, she mentioned hearing a lot about me from my sisters, and little did I know, she would play a pivotal role in rekindling my faith. Although I wasn’t ready to fully embrace her words, she spoke life into me that day, and one word in particular resonated deeply: surrender.
Surrender? That thought didn’t sit well with me. I grew up in a Christian home, went to church with my family and served in the past. Having attended Bible college, I felt that I have a connection with God and believed I understood my journey. People often don’t realize the struggles I’ve faced, including childhood trauma that left me feeling broken and unworthy of love. I built walls around myself, always on guard against potential hurt, presenting only the polished version of myself to avoid judgment. This led me to become incredibly goal-oriented; I worked tirelessly to achieve everything I set my sights on, from earning my college degree to buying my first home. Each milestone was a testament to my hard work and determination. Surrendering was never an option. However, through conviction and deep self-reflection, I’ve come to recognize that God played a significant role in all my achievements. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without His guidance and support.
We all carry scars from our past that can hinder our ability to serve God fully, but through Christ's redemptive power, we can experience true transformation and freedom from sin. God has a remarkable way of turning what is broken into something beautiful for His glory, much like a potter who reshapes shattered clay. Just as pottery needs the potter's touch to regain its form, we too need His guidance to find wholeness in our lives. True restoration starts with acknowledging our brokenness, accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and boldly declaring our faith. By surrendering to God's will, we can become instruments for His work in this broken world.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
The Apostle Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20 resonate deeply with me, reminding me that my life belongs to Christ, who lives within me and loves me unconditionally. Over the past three years, I have earnestly sought the Lord and immersed myself in His word, dedicating my time to the TEE program where I explored the Life of Jesus, the concept of Abundant Life, and how to grow in my faith alongside my mentor, who is my pastor’s wife. I’ve also taken on roles as a Sunday school teacher and secretary for the Missions Ministry, and in November 2024, I participated in a short-term mission trip to Thailand with a team of twelve from my church. Last year, I began the long application process to serve internationally with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. I’m still on my journey of learning and growth, but I hold onto the promise in Jeremiah 29:11, I trust that God has a plan for me, one that brings hope and a future, and I know that all He desires is my heart, my obedience, and my readiness to follow His call.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10, NLT
You and I are His masterpieces.
Are you willing to surrender to the Lord?
Mai La Vang
Mai La Vang is a member of Grace Alliance Church in Anchorage, Alaska, and she takes delight in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds her. She is a Simpson University alumnus with a degree in Cross-Cultural studies. A podcast enthusiast, she welcomes any great suggestions to add to her listening list. In her downtime, she enjoys baking delicious treats, spending time with family, and diving into a good book.
Comments