The Continual Cycles of God's Breakings

Scripture makes clear that God disciplines those He loves. “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:6). Discipline is not rejection; it is proof of belonging. Breakings are not signs that something has gone wrong, but evidence that God is committed to completing His work. As Solomon writes, “Do not despise the Lord’s discipline… for the Lord reproves him whom He loves” (Proverbs 3:11–12). The absence of breaking would be far more concerning than its presence.

These seasons unfold according to divine timing. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Early breakings are often severe because the self still governs large portions of identity, control, and trust. As surrender deepens, the intensity of breakings often lessens, and the spaces between them grow longer. The Lord does not afflict endlessly. “For the Lord will not cast off forever… He does not afflict from His heart” (Lamentations 3:31–33). Rest increases as dependence becomes more consistent.

God governs these breakings according to the condition of the inner life. Where self-dependence rises, pressure follows. “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength” (Jeremiah 17:5). Where self-love asserts control, resistance forms. Where pride resurfaces, humbling becomes necessary. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). These are not acts of severity but of mercy, for pride always threatens intimacy and dependence.

The Lord applies pressure precisely where self still rules. Jesus said, “Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2). Pruning is targeted, not random. God touches the exact places where identity, control, comfort, or timing compete with trust. Isaiah recorded the Lord’s purpose clearly: “Behold, I have refined you… I have tested you in the furnace of affliction” (Isaiah 48:10). Refinement removes what cannot remain if Christ is to reign fully.

Many believers struggle here because resistance prolongs the process. What is avoided must be repeated. “If only My people would listen to Me… I would soon subdue their enemies” (Psalm 81:11–13). Yielding shortens the season; resistance lengthens it. Isaiah spoke plainly: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). Submission does not remove pain instantly, but it redeems it quickly.

As maturity grows, the nature of breaking changes. Earlier disciplines are often external and disruptive; later ones are quieter, deeper, and more internal. The mature are trained to discern through practice. “Solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice” (Hebrews 5:14). God adjusts the measure, for His strength is revealed in weakness. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The goal of these cycles is not survival, but sustained dependence. Jesus did not invite believers to endure life with Him, but to abide in Him. “Abide in Me, and I in you… apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4–5). Where self yields, rest increases. Peace replaces striving. Control gives way to trust. Identity becomes rooted not in performance, but in union with Christ. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).

These breakings will continue as long as self can rise, but God remains faithful to complete His work. “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion” (Philippians 1:6). The pressure lifts not when circumstances change, but when surrender is complete. And where humility is embraced, glory always follows. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10).