It Isn't Natural to See Jesus

I began this post sometime between October of 2011 and January of 2012.  I regret not finishing it when the Lord gave it to me.  However, I don't want to leave it unpublished - so here it goes.

When I look at the world around me, I find it difficult to see Jesus at work or see Him at all.  Pain and suffering, violence and betrayal, apathy and indifference...where is Jesus in these?

It is quite easy to understand why it is difficult to see Jesus in these circumstances.  But how about seeing Him in our churches, with our brothers and sisters in Christ - is it difficult to see Him?  Is it possible that our religiosity and self-righteousness has blinded us to Him?  Is it possible that our complacency and lukewarmness has made our hearts insensitive?

Lately I have been walking with Christ closer than ever before.  I have beheld His scars and seen His compassion in a way I had not seen before.  Thanks be to God for brokenness, for it is through being broken that I am seeing Him clearer.  Being broken, broken beyond repair, has led me to let the Holy Spirit take control of this vessel.  I have found myself praying that the Holy Spirit do what is necessary to conform me to the image of Christ - even if this process is painful.