Brokenness Brings Blessings | Joby Soriano | February 1, 2026

Brokenness and Its Impact

Understanding Brokenness

• The conference theme discussed is "brokenness," prompting reflection on personal experiences related to this concept.

• Words associated with brokenness include pain, suffering, hopelessness, disappointment, mental health issues, and betrayal.

• A reference to the nursery rhyme "Humpty Dumpty" illustrates the idea of being broken and unable to be restored easily.

Causes of Brokenness

• Brokenness can stem from others' sinful actions or uncontrollable situations in life.

• Personal sin also contributes to feelings of despair; many Christians experience a state akin to being "Humpty"—broken and hopeless.

Seeking Help in Brokenness

• The speaker emphasizes that while they cannot rebuild individuals, God specializes in providing breakthroughs for those who are broken.

• Various forms of stress contributing to brokenness are highlighted: financial struggles, toxic relationships, family conflicts, and spiritual dryness.

Spiritual Insights on Brokenness

• A story about a monastery in Greece serves as an analogy for how God works through our brokenness; change often occurs only after reaching a breaking point.

• The importance of approaching God with a "broken spirit" is emphasized; pride must be relinquished for divine intervention.

Biblical Perspective on Brokenness

• The term "broken" in Hebrew (shabar) signifies deep destruction rather than mere damage; it encompasses emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.

• Spiritual brokenness involves emptying oneself of self-will. True transformation requires dying to self before God can work within us.

Understanding Spiritual Brokenness

The Desire for Control

• Many people desire to be in control of their lives, often leading to a sense of self-reliance.

• The concept of "sin" can be interpreted as being "self in control," indicating a struggle with surrendering to God.

Biblical References on Brokenness

• Galatians 2:20 emphasizes the importance of living through Christ rather than oneself, highlighting spiritual transformation.

• Psalm 34:18 reassures that God is close to those who are brokenhearted and offers rescue to those crushed in spirit. This proximity signifies God's constant presence during difficult times.

The Process of Rescue

• A lifeguard analogy illustrates that true rescue occurs when individuals relinquish their own strength, paralleling how God intervenes when we are spiritually broken.

• Holding onto personal will prevents divine intervention; only through brokenness can one achieve self-awareness and ultimately bless others.

Stages of Spiritual Growth

Three Key Stages:

1. God Breaks - This stage involves recognizing that God breaks us not as punishment but for awakening and refining our spirits.

2. God Builds - Following brokenness, God begins the process of building us up anew.

3. God Blesses - Ultimately, this leads to blessings that extend beyond ourselves.

Understanding Personal Pain

• Many individuals experience deep, silent pain while appearing outwardly fine; they may feel overlooked amidst societal celebrations and successes shared online.

• True pain often goes unrecognized; faithful individuals continue attending church while grappling with unresolved issues internally, feeling exhausted from waiting for change or healing.

Example of Hannah's Story

• Hannah represents a biblical figure who experienced profound sorrow due to her barrenness in a society where motherhood defined worth; her story exemplifies the struggles faced by many women historically and today.

• Despite her husband's love, Hannah faced ridicule from his other wife, Penina, which compounded her feelings of inadequacy and despair within her cultural context.

Emotional Struggles and Divine Purpose

The Pain of Mockery and Isolation

• Hannah faced relentless mockery from her rival, Penina, due to her inability to bear children. This emotional torment occurred in a household filled with laughter and joy, highlighting her isolation amidst familial happiness.

• The experience of being childless led Hannah to profound emotional pain, feeling publicly humiliated and deeply broken despite her faithfulness to God. This illustrates that one can be devoted yet still suffer greatly.

Understanding Brokenness as a Pathway

• In 1 Samuel 1:6-7, it is noted that Penina provoked Hannah bitterly during their annual temple visits, emphasizing the depth of Hannah's sorrow as she wept and refused to eat. This reflects how brokenness can lead individuals closer to God.

• The speaker emphasizes that brokenness often serves as God's method for bringing individuals to the end of themselves, suggesting that true discovery occurs when one reaches this point of surrender. It’s at this juncture that God awaits them.

The Treasure Within Fragility

• Referencing 2 Corinthians 4:7-10, the speaker explains that humans are fragile vessels containing a divine treasure—Christ himself—which empowers believers through suffering rather than relying on their strength alone. This highlights the contrast between human frailty and divine power.

• The notion is presented that living with God's strength allows believers to overcome pain and suffering while manifesting Jesus' life through their own experiences, showcasing His power rather than personal achievements.

Personal Testimony of Loss and Betrayal

• After years in a fulfilling career where he served both his family and God, the speaker recounts being unexpectedly terminated from his job following a company acquisition—a moment filled with disbelief and heartbreak as he felt betrayed by those he had trusted.

• Following his termination notice, feelings of anxiety about providing for his family emerged alongside anger towards the new owners for their perceived betrayal after sharing company secrets with them during training sessions. This illustrates the deep emotional turmoil caused by sudden loss of security.

Navigating Grief and Depression

• As he processed his job loss, the speaker experienced intense emotions including grief over betrayal, anxiety about financial stability, anger towards former colleagues, and feelings of abandonment by God—all leading him into a state of depression lasting two months post-job loss. These reflections underscore how significant life changes can trigger profound emotional crises.

Understanding Brokenness and God's Purpose

Reflection on Personal Brokenness

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God is actively working in our lives, even amidst pain and brokenness.

• Participants are encouraged to pair up and discuss how they currently deal with their own feelings of brokenness, fostering a supportive environment for sharing personal experiences.

Encouragement Against Resignation

• The speaker expresses emotional concern when individuals express a desire to give up, urging them never to resign or lose hope.

• A reminder is given that feeling abandoned during difficult times can lead to new beginnings; many have found closer relationships with God through adversity.

Listening to God's Guidance

• The importance of listening to what God reveals during times of struggle is highlighted. Individuals are encouraged not to resist what God exposes in their lives.

• After experiencing brokenness, it is emphasized that God builds us back up. The community responds affirmatively, acknowledging God's role in restoration.

Ceasing Striving and Knowing God

• Reference is made to Psalm 46:10, which calls for ceasing striving and recognizing God's sovereignty. The speaker stresses that self-effort cannot heal one's brokenness.

• True knowledge of God leads to peace; building an intimate relationship with Him is essential during times of distress.

Seeking God's Kingdom First

• Matthew 6:33 encourages prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness above all else, promising that other needs will be met as a result.

• It’s noted that often, inward healing precedes outward blessings; having the right heart matters most in seeking divine assistance.

Example from Hannah's Story

• The story of Hannah from 1 Samuel illustrates her deep distress due to societal humiliation but also highlights her turning point where she earnestly prayed for change.

• This year could signify a transformative moment for individuals facing similar struggles; the call is made for personal reflection on whether this will be their year for change.

Hannah's Prayer and the Nature of Surrender

The Essence of Hannah's Request

• Hannah prayed for a son, intending to dedicate him to the Lord for his entire life. This was not a bargaining prayer; it was an earnest plea from her heart.

• Unlike many who negotiate with God, Hannah’s request was selfless—she sought to give back what she received.

The Impact of Genuine Prayer

• In 1 Samuel 1:15-18, Hannah expressed her deep emotional state by saying, "I have poured out my soul," indicating that her prayer was raw and heartfelt rather than polished or impressive.

• After receiving Eli's blessing, Hannah experienced a transformation; she left no longer sad but filled with peace and assurance despite not having received an immediate answer to her prayer.

Assurance Over Immediate Answers

• Healing begins with the assurance that God has heard our prayers rather than simply receiving answers. This understanding is crucial in faith journeys.

• James 4:9-10 emphasizes humility before God as essential for spiritual growth; true surrender requires recognizing one's own limitations and pride.

The Process of Brokenness

• Personal surrender is an individual journey; no one can do it for you. Acknowledging personal brokenness is vital for spiritual renewal and connection with God.

• Psalm 51:17 highlights that God values a broken spirit and contrite heart, promising acceptance and restoration when we come to Him sincerely repentant.

Reflecting on Personal Struggles

• The speaker reflects on their struggle with pride tied to career success, realizing this reliance hindered their relationship with God and led to selfishness. They recognized the need for deeper trust in God's provision over self-sufficiency.

• A moment of surrender occurred when they acknowledged their prideful mindset regarding achievements, seeking forgiveness from God while letting go of past grievances against others. This act brought about peace and readiness to move forward in faith.

Understanding Brokenness Through Metaphor

• Jeremiah 18:4 illustrates how brokenness can lead to renewal; just as a potter reshapes marred clay into something new, so too does God refine us through our struggles without discarding us entirely.

• Recognizing oneself as clay in God's hands fosters humility and acceptance of His transformative work in our lives, emphasizing that brokenness serves a purpose in divine craftsmanship.

Surrendering to God's Will

The Importance of Surrender

• The speaker emphasizes the need for submission to God, referencing a song that expresses a desire for divine guidance: "Have your way, oh Lord."

• Surrender is defined as an honest expression of pain, confusion, and fear in prayer. It encourages seeking fellowship rather than isolation.

• Isolation leads to darkness and despair; sharing one's struggles with others is crucial for healing and support.

Understanding True Surrender

• Surrender is clarified as "giving over" to a loving Father rather than giving up. This distinction highlights the active choice to trust God.

Melissa's Testimony: A Journey from Brokenness to Restoration

Background and Struggles

• Melissa shares her background as part of a dysfunctional family, leading her into destructive behaviors such as drug use and prostitution.

• After experiencing homelessness for 11 months, she found refuge in a Christian ministry that provided spiritual care alongside physical needs.

Spiritual Awakening

• On September 20, 2017, Melissa accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior, marking her spiritual rebirth and beginning the restoration process in her life.

Challenges Faced During Recovery

Trials Amidst Growth

• Despite initial growth in faith, Melissa struggled with sin and justified unhealthy relationships during the pandemic lockdown.

• Following a painful breakup in March 2024, she faced suicidal thoughts but cried out for forgiveness instead.

Seeking Help

• Opening up to her D-group leader led to significant breakthroughs; she learned about letting go of what was not intended for her by God.

Faithfulness Through Adversity

Health Crisis

• In June 2024, Melissa was diagnosed with stage 2 cervical cancer. She felt crushed but sought comfort through prayer and scripture.

Community Support

• Throughout treatment challenges like chemotherapy delays, she experienced God's provision through community support and answered prayers.

Transformation Through Trials

Serving Others

• During hospital visits while undergoing treatment, Melissa shared God's word with patients and staff alike.

Continued Growth

• Her journey deepened her desire to serve God; she participated actively in church ministries despite health challenges.

A Testament of Faithfulness

Breakthrough Moments

• Attending retreats allowed personal reflection and renewal; serving others became integral to her faith journey.

Healing Confirmation

• By December 2025, medical tests confirmed no trace of disease—an affirmation of God's faithfulness amidst trials.

Healing and Purpose in Brokenness

Testimony of Transformation

• Melissa shares her journey from brokenness to wholeness through faith in Jesus, emphasizing that pain can be transformed into purpose.

• The importance of community support is highlighted as Alice Ando, Melissa's discipler, encourages participation in small groups for mutual encouragement during tough times.

Prayer for Healing and Protection

• A prayer is offered for Melissa, thanking God for her miraculous transformation and asking for continued healing and protection against adversity.

• The prayer extends to Alice, seeking blessings on her ministry and the relationship between her and Melissa as they reflect God's light.

Understanding God's Blessings

• Discussion shifts to the concept of God breaking, building, and blessing lives; breakthroughs are seen as opportunities to bless others.

• Reference to Hannah's story from 1 Samuel highlights the theme of dedication; she prayed for a son (Samuel), whom she vowed to dedicate back to God.

Commitment Through Dedication

• Hannah’s commitment signifies not just receiving a blessing but also returning it fully dedicated to God's service.

• The emotional weight of dedicating a child is explored; mothers must let go while trusting in God's plan.

Embracing God's Unique Plan

• The speaker emphasizes that releasing what we receive leads to greater blessings from God; this principle applies universally.

• An analogy illustrates how life plans may differ from expectations—God’s path includes challenges but ultimately leads us where we need to be.

Personal Journey of Faith

• Psalm 138:8 is quoted, affirming that God will work out His plans with enduring love; trust in His singular plan is encouraged.

• A personal testimony reveals how the speaker transitioned from corporate success to full-time ministry after feeling called by God.

Letting Go for Greater Purpose

• The speaker recounts selling their successful business at a symbolic price of one peso each to trusted employees before committing fully to ministry work.

God's Blessings Through Brokenness

The Joy of Being Used by God

• The speaker expresses the joy of being used by God, emphasizing that surrendered pain can lead to blessings beyond imagination.

• A quote from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 highlights God as a source of comfort, who comforts us in our troubles so we can comfort others.

Biblical Examples of Blessing After Brokenness

• The story of Hannah and Elcana illustrates how Eli's prayer led to God's blessing, resulting in Hannah giving birth to multiple children after her dedication to the Lord.

• The principle discussed is that God can create beauty from brokenness; brokenness often precedes blessings.

Understanding God's Greatest Blessing

• The speaker emphasizes that ultimately, the greatest blessing is a relationship with God, especially after enduring trials and breakthroughs.

Reflective Discussion Questions

• Audience members are encouraged to reflect on personal struggles with surrendering to God and how they see God's blessings manifesting through them.

Poem: "Broken to Bless"

• A poem titled "Broken to Bless" is introduced, expressing themes of humility and transformation through brokenness.

• Key lines from the poem discuss how brokenness strips away pride and self-will, leading one closer to God.

Prayer for Transformation

• A heartfelt prayer acknowledges the difficulty of undergoing personal transformation but encourages reliance on God's strength during times of struggle.

• The speaker prays for each individual’s journey through brokenness towards breakthrough, affirming faith in God's ability to change lives.