Picture a vessel lying becalmed on a glassy sea—not a breath of air stirs a sail.

But, presently , the little pennant far up on the masthead begins to stir and lift! There is not a ripple on the water , not the slightest movement of the air on deck, but there is a current stirring in the upper air! At once the sails are spread to catch it!

“So in life,” says Dr. Miller , “there are higher and lower currents. Too many of us use only the lower sails and catch only the winds blowing along earthly levels. It would be an unspeakable gain to us all were we to let our lives fall under the influence of these upper currents.”

Far out to sea, at close of day , A lonely albatross flew by . We watched him as he soared away— A speck against the glowing sky!

Thought I: This lordly feathered one Is trusting in the faithfulness Of wind and tide, of star and sun; And shall I trust the Maker less?

O soul of mine, spread wide thy wings: Mount up; push out with courage strong! And—like a bird which, soaring, sings— Let heaven vibrate with thy song!

Spread wide thy wings, o soul of mine, For God will ever faithful be: His love shall guide thee; winds Divine Shall waft thee o’er this troubled sea.

Though dangers threaten in the night, Though tides of death below thee roll, Though storms attend thy homeward flight, Spread wide thy pinions, o my soul!

Though shadows veil the verdant shore, And distant seems the hallowed dawn, Spread wide thy pinions—evermore Spread wide thy pinions, and press on.

Spread your sails to catch the upper currents!

Those people God uses most to bring glory to Himself are those who are completely broken, for the sacrifice He accepts is a “broken and contrite heart.” It was not until Jacob’s natural strength was broken, when “his hip was wrenched” (Genesis 32:25) at Peniel, that he came to the point where God could clothe him with spiritual power.

And it was not until Moses struck the rock at Horeb, breaking its surface, that cool “water [came] out of it for the people to drink” (Exodus 17:6).

It was not until Gideon’s three hundred specially chosen soldiers “broke the jars that were in their hands” (Judges 7:19), which symbolized brokenness in their lives, that the hidden light of the torches shone forth, bringing terror to their enemies.

It was once the poor widow broke the seal on her only remaining jar of oil and began to pour it that God miraculously multiplied it to pay her debts and thereby supplied her means of support. (2 Kings 4:1–7.)

It was not until Esther risked her life and broke through the strict laws of a heathen king’s court that she obtained favor to rescue her people from death. (Esther 4:16.)

It was once Jesus took “the five loaves . . . and broke them” (Luke 9:16) that the bread was multiplied to feed the five thousand.

Through the very process of the loaves being broken, the miracle occurred.

It was when Mary broke her beautiful “alabaster jar of very expensive perfume” (Matthew 26:7), destroying its future usefulness and value, that the wonderful fragrance filled the house.

And it was when Jesus allowed His precious body to be broken by thorns, nails, and a spear that His inner life was poured out like an ocean of crystal-clear water, for thirsty sinners to drink and then live.

It is not until a beautiful kernel of corn is buried and broken in the earth by DEATH that its inner heart sprouts, producing hundreds of other seeds or kernels.

And so it has always been, down through the history of plants, people, and all of spiritual life—God uses BROKEN THINGS.

Those who have been gripped by the power of the Holy Spirit and are used for God’s glory are those who have been broken in their finances, broken in their self-will, broken in their ambitions, broken in their lofty ideals, broken in their worldly reputation, broken in their desires, and often broken in their health.

Yes, He uses those who are despised by the world and who seem totally hopeless and helpless, just as Isaiah said: “The lame will carry off plunder” (Isaiah 33:23).

Oh, break my heart; but break it as a field Is plowed and broken for the seeds of corn;

Oh, break it as the buds, by green leaf sealed, Are, to unloose the golden blossom, torn;

Love would I offer unto Love’s great Master, Set free the fragrance, break the alabaster.

Oh, break my heart; break it, victorious God, That life’s eternal well may flow abroad;

Oh, let it break as when the captive trees, Breaking cold bonds, regain their liberties;

And as thought’s sacred grove to life is springing, Be joys, like birds, their hope, Your victory singing.

THOMAS TOKE BUNCH