Wholeness in Brokenness

Abstract by Peter N. Landless

At creation there was perfection and wholeness. Since sin entered the world, this perfection has been eroded, and many suffer physically, mentally, spiritually. Job—despite all his mental, physical, emotional and spiritual struggles—“did not sin by charging God" (Job 1:22, NIV). Paul pleaded three times for his particular thorn in the flesh to be removed, but instead of physical healing of his “brokenness,”  he  received a special kind of wholeness: “My grace is sufficient for you,” he was told by the Lord, “for My power is made perfect in weakness.” No wonder Paul could say, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” This encouragement is particularly meaningful to those who, despite faith, prayer and medical intervention, still suffer with chronic diseases. Paul here reflects spirituality which opens every part of one’s life to the presence of God.

Eating and drinking healthfully, exercise, moderation, modesty, etc., do not of themselves achieve wholeness. God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. Christ’s promise, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10), can still be a reality even among the most physically broken. Health is not a rite of passage in this life. This paper explores the journey of enjoying true wholeness and healing in Christ despite our inevitable brokenness this side of the Kingdom.