"Unbroken": The Rest of the Story

The movie, “Unbroken,” tells the true story of a U.S. Army Air Corps bombardier, taken captive by the Japanese in World War II.  A former Olympic athlete, Louie Zamperini displayed an iron will, an exceptional resolve to survive, despite being repeatedly targeted by a sadistic prison guard for especially cruel beatings.  The movie ends as the war ends.

But in her book of the same name, author Laura Hillenbrand goes on to tell the rest of the story – the best of the story.  After the war, Zamperini was filled with resentment and anger, lashing out at those closest to him and intent on returning to Japan to take revenge on his tormentor.  At the urging of his wife, however, he attended a Billy Graham crusade and it was there that this “unbroken” but embittered man relinquished his self-reliance and opened himself to the life-giving Spirit of Christ.  In God’s mercy, Louie Zamperini had become wonderfully “broken.”

There is something in all of us that must be broken: our inclination toward our sin nature, that self-willed part of us that wants to live life on our own terms, and not God’s.  And no one is exempt ...

It had never been the size of his army that brought King David success in battle, but the strength and faithfulness of his God.  Yet in an uncharacteristic expression of pride – a rare feeding of the ego – David commanded that his army be counted.  And when God responded in justice and mercy, David’s heart changed from arrogance to humility, and his focus from accumulation to sacrifice.  “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”  2 Samuel 24:24a

It is a beautiful thing, brokenness; it is like a multi-faceted diamond in which we see pridefulness give way to humility ... anxiety give way to peace ... foolishness give way to wisdom ... sin give way to righteousness ... despair give way to hope ... death give way to life.

How has brokenness brought you closer to God?  Take a moment to thank him for his work in you.
What still needs to be broken?  Ask God to have his way in that facet (and every facet, for that matter) in your life.

[Today's reading, 2 Samuel 24:18-25, is excerpted from the story of David's sin and repentance.  To read this story, click here.]