Brokenness: The Heart God Revives

Brokenness, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, was born out of something God did at a Campus Crusade for Christ staff conference, which took place in Moby Gym at Colorado State University in July of 1995. The focus of the conference was revival, and the organizers, desiring a fresh work of God, intentionally departed from a "normal" conference schedule. On the third day of the conference, DeMoss spoke on the subject of brokenness and humility. When she finished, what God had been doing in the hearts of those in attendance became visible. DeMoss writes, "No human fully knows or could possibly capture what took place that hot July in Colorado. But I believe most who were present would agree that God was there and that His presence was manifest in an extraordinary way. As He began to move in the hearts of His people, all scheduled events for the rest of the day were cancelled; the same thing happened the next day and half of the following day. There were no official breaks during the service that began at 9:00 Monday morning and continued until midnight that night. Most of those in attendance had no desire to leave, though some slipped in and out as necessary for physical nourishment or to tend to needs of children. Throughout the day, hour after hour, people stayed glued to their seats on the main floor or in the bleachers as we waited, listened, repented, prayed, and worshiped." There is much talk these days about revival: what constitutes a true revival, creating an atmosphere conducive for revival, how desperately we need revival "in our land." The prevailing attitude says, "Let's figure it out and manufacture it." But as DeMoss points out, there is not a formula. What we do have is God's timeless Word which teaches that he hates pride, but that He will draw near to and use the broken and contrite. DeMoss invites the reader to "encounter God in a whole new way. It is a call to discover His heart and His ways; a challenge to embrace a radically new way of thinking and living, in which the way up is down, death brings life, and brokenness is the pathway to wholeness." The theme of contradictions runs throughout the book: those who appear to be most spiritual are in greatest need of revival, those who are waiting for revival oftentimes are the ones used to start it, those who die to their "self-sins" experience more life, those who are broken are most whole, the humble ones are exalted, those who weep know deep joy, and those who expose their sin and needs are covered. Though the path to brokenness before God and our neighbors will be a painful one, it will lead to healing and restoration, to personal revival, to greater intimacy with God and others, and to our increased usefulness in the hand of God. On the other hand, when we rely on ourselves and hide behind our spiritual facades, we cut ourselves off from God's blessings and grace. DeMoss uses passages from both testaments, especially Psalms and Isaiah, to describe brokenness. She als

All I can say is that God moves in a very special way in this book, unlike any other human-authored book I have ever read in my nearly thirty years as a Christian (I'm 37 now). I could write pages of what God did in my life through this book, but the work God does through this is His miracle, and perhaps I should just say that you would be enriched, changed and renewed by taking the time to read it (or as some may say, have it read you~ it's that sort of book). As it was for me, it may just be the "key" you're looking for in your quest to follow Christ, and help you work past issues of the heart you've struggled with for many years. Just know, you will never be the same...

This short book can be read in two hours but its potential benefit to your spiritual condition could last a lifetime. "Brokenness" is the first book of a trilogy (the others are Surrender, and Holiness), but it can stand by itself. In an approach that is non-condemnatory but convicting, Ms. DeMoss has written a wonderful resource that could aid us in challenging a stale faith and encouraging us toward a "brokenness (which) is the pathway to blessing." (p.105). Chapter Four contains a list of characteristics that unveils the traits of proud people in comparison to those of broken people. (I found myself saying "ouch" more than once.) But she rightly observes that the Bible continually points out God's resistance to the proud and His willingness to draw close to the humble. If you want to read a quickly flowing book that will encourage you towards the true joy that results in being honest with God and with others, then I highly recommend this resource as a positive aid toward that end. I found it encouraging, convicting, and personally desirous to be open to whatever God thinks is appropriate for my spiritual condition.

Every Christian should read this book. Every Pastor should read this book. This is where we need to be. We have to die to ourselves and our wills if Christ is going to live His life through us. Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

This book is Amazing! A friend recently gave me a copy. This book gives a very clear explaination of what brokenness is, and what it is not. The author also does a compare and contrast between pride and brokenness. This book is very convicting. If you let Him, God can give you a good look into your heart. This happened with me and the results were painful and definitely not pretty. But it was necessary. The author also uses real life examples. Both from her own life and others. Nancy is very honest about her own struggles with brokenness and pride. As you read, you get the feeling that she wrote this book as much for herself, as for others. This book showed me areas of pride that I never realized existed. If you want to remain complacent, don't read this book. This is one of the best books on grace and brokenness that I have ever read. Thank you Nancy!