INTIMACY THROUGH BROKENNESS AND SURRENDER

BIBLE STUDY: INTIMACY THROUGH BROKENNESS AND SURRENDER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Supporting Texts:
Psalm 34:18
Isaiah 57:15
Matthew 5:3
Luke 9:23
Romans 12:1-2
James 4:10
1 Peter 5:6-7
Philippians 3:8-10

INTRODUCTION:
Intimacy with God often emerges through seasons of brokenness and surrender. It is in our weakest moments that we discover the depth of God's grace and the power of His love. The journey of intimacy with God requires us to confront our vulnerabilities and lay our burdens before Him. This Bible study will explore how embracing brokenness and surrendering to God leads to a deeper relationship with Him, unlocking the profound beauty of His presence in our lives.

1. UNDERSTANDING BROKENNESS

Brokenness is not merely about physical or emotional pain; it is a spiritual condition that reveals our dependence on God. Here are key insights into brokenness:

a) Acknowledge Our Weaknesses: Accepting our limitations allows us to lean on God's strength (2 Corinthians 12:9).

b) God’s Nearness in Brokenness: The Lord draws near to the brokenhearted, offering comfort and healing (Psalm 34:18).

c) God’s Purpose in Our Pain: Brokenness can lead to growth, refinement, and transformation (Romans 5:3-5).

d) Repentance and Restoration: Brokenness opens the door for genuine repentance and reconciliation with God (Isaiah 57:15).

e) A Catalyst for Change: Recognizing our brokenness often leads to a desire for deeper intimacy with God and a transformed life (Philippians 3:8-10).

Biblical Example:
King David experienced profound brokenness after his sin with Bathsheba. His repentance in Psalm 51 illustrates how brokenness can lead to restoration and intimacy with God.

2. THE CALL TO SURRENDER

Surrendering to God is essential for fostering intimacy. It involves yielding our desires, plans, and fears to His will. Here are aspects of surrender:

a) Dying to Self: Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross, surrendering our lives to Him (Luke 9:23).

b) Trusting God’s Plan: Surrender involves trusting God with our future and acknowledging that His plans are better than ours (Proverbs 3:5-6).

c) Offering Our Lives: Presenting our bodies as living sacrifices demonstrates our commitment to God (Romans 12:1-2).

d) Letting Go of Control: Surrender requires relinquishing our desire to control every aspect of our lives (Philippians 4:6-7).

e) Embracing God’s Grace: In surrender, we find the grace to face our struggles and shortcomings (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Biblical Example:
Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplified surrender when she accepted God’s plan for her life, despite the uncertainties and societal implications (Luke 1:38). Her willingness to submit to God’s will resulted in the birth of our Savior.

3. INTIMACY THROUGH BROKENNESS AND SURRENDER

When we embrace brokenness and surrender, we position ourselves to experience deeper intimacy with God. Here’s how this intimacy unfolds:

a) Experiencing God’s Presence: In our brokenness, we often feel the nearness of God’s presence, which brings comfort and peace (Isaiah 41:10).

b) Deepening Our Relationship: Surrender allows for greater intimacy as we align our hearts with God’s (James 4:8).

c) Receiving Healing and Restoration: God heals the broken and binds up their wounds, bringing restoration to our lives (Psalm 147:3).

d) Transformative Power: Encountering God in our brokenness transforms our hearts and minds, leading to renewed strength (2 Corinthians 5:17).

e) Witnessing God’s Faithfulness: As we surrender, we become more aware of God’s faithfulness and provision in our lives (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Biblical Example:
The Apostle Paul experienced intimacy with God through his brokenness, boasting in his weaknesses, which allowed the power of Christ to rest upon him (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). His life exemplifies how surrender can lead to profound intimacy with God.

4. PRACTICING BROKENNESS AND SURRENDER

Cultivating intimacy with God through brokenness and surrender involves practical steps:

a) Regular Self-Examination: Reflecting on our hearts and lives helps us identify areas where we need to surrender (Psalm 139:23-24).

b) Seeking Forgiveness: Confessing our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness restores our relationship with Him (1 John 1:9).

c) Engaging in Prayer: Consistent prayer fosters intimacy and allows us to express our brokenness and surrender to God (Philippians 4:6).

d) Studying God’s Word: The Bible reveals God’s heart and helps us understand His ways, guiding us in surrender (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

e) Fellowshipping with Other Believers: Sharing our struggles with trusted friends encourages accountability and support (Galatians 6:2).

Biblical Example:
Job, after experiencing immense loss and suffering, ultimately surrendered his questioning and recognized God’s sovereignty, leading to restoration and intimacy with God (Job 42:1-6).

CONCLUSION:
Intimacy with God is often birthed in the soil of brokenness and surrender. When we lay down our pride, fears, and desires before Him, we open our hearts to experience His transformative love and grace. Embracing our brokenness allows us to draw closer to God, leading to a life marked by deep intimacy and fulfillment. May we seek to find strength in our weaknesses and develop a profound relationship with our Creator.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to embrace my brokenness and recognize my need for You.

2. Father, I surrender my plans and desires to Your will for my life.

3. Open my eyes to see Your presence in my weakness.

4. Help me to trust You completely with my future and uncertainties.

5. Lord, heal my heart from past wounds and disappointments.

6. Teach me to find joy and peace in surrendering to You.

7. Strengthen my faith as I walk through seasons of brokenness.

8. Father, may my life reflect Your grace and love to others.

9. Help me to be open and vulnerable in my relationships with others.

10. Lord, I declare that I will experience deep intimacy with You as I surrender.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that you will find strength in your brokenness as you draw near to God.

2. Every area of surrender in your life will lead to new levels of intimacy with the Father.

3. God will bring healing and restoration to your heart and spirit.

4. You will experience the transformative power of God’s love in your life.

5. Your relationship with God will deepen as you embrace His grace.

6. You will find peace and joy as you surrender your burdens to Him.

7. God will reveal His plans for your life as you trust in Him.

8. You will be a vessel of God’s grace and love to those around you.

9. Your testimony of brokenness will lead others to seek intimacy with God.

10. You will walk in the fullness of God’s presence, experiencing His goodness daily.