I once read a caption that was both funny and insightful. It went like this: “Some people are so humble that they’re even proud of their humility.” That statement emphasized the need to prioritize brokenness over smartness.
Friend, don’t be proud of your humility. The true mark of intimacy with God is not smartness but brokenness. When a person has read a lot, they become smart, but when a person has met God, they become broken. Unfortunately, this generation confuses smartness with intimacy with God.
The world teaches us to be smart to make headway in life and destiny, but God demands that we be broken. The life of Jacob is a classic example of how far smartness can take a person before they meet with frustration.
Perhaps Jacob was aware of the contest that took place in the womb and how God had determined that he would carry the Abrahamic blessing (Genesis 25:23). But he thought he could make it happen by himself. He began scheming to fulfil his destiny of greatness (Genesis 25:31, 30:40-42).
The encounter at Bethel was the defining moment in Jacob’s life (Genesis 32:24-31). He met with God and became broken. Now, he didn’t want to do anything with his life other than depend on God for sustenance and help. It was after then that the glory of his destiny began to manifest.
God looks at the proud from afar, but He uses broken vessels (Psalms 138:6, 1 Corinthians 1:29, 2 Corinthians 4:7). Brokenness is not a gift, nor is it an event; it’s a journey. God works on our hearts, breaks our pride, and brings us to the end of ourselves (Isaiah 66:2). This is where true greatness begins.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria