October 14, 2024

Hello and Happy Day! This is Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, Novelist and Story Coach, welcoming you to another episode of Winning with the Word. Today is Monday, October 14, 2024, and this is episode #18 in Series 2024. This episode is titled, “Are You Broken-Hearted?”

A few months ago, I thought that the Lord was finished with this blog and podcast, but He had other plans. So here we are, happy to be back with all of our wonderful readers and listeners.

Today I want to discuss the topic of broken-heartedness. Have you noticed that not many people are smiling these days? As I go about my daily life, I am struck with the looks of fear, hopelessness, and despair on the faces of those who cross my path.

My heart goes out to them, because I know from personal experience that life does not have to be this way. You see, my friend, I used to be there myself. There was a time in my life when everything looked bleak. I felt stuck in a rut, with no way to get out. Nothing was going right. Not my job. Not my finances. Not my relationships. I was what you would call a “sorry case.”

So, what changed?

Thanks for asking. I’d love to tell you. 🙂

What happened was that I had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

Now, before you stop reading or listening hear me out, please. Since you asked to know what changed, it’s the polite thing to do on your part to wait for the answer to your question. After all, I’m taking the time to answer you. And to answer you gladly, I might add. 🙂

Yes, I had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

Okay, Dr. MaryAnn. What exactly do you mean? Are you telling me that You met Jesus in person? I mean, did you bump into Him on the sidewalk? Did you run into Him at the library? At the grocery storet? What exactly do you mean?

I mean that I met Jesus in a spiritual encounter that took place inside me for the first time in my life. And I have never been the same.

Where did I meet Jesus?

I met Him in the family room at a moment when I was at the end of my rope emotionally.

How did I meet Jesus?

Through a TV show being broadcast by Billy Graham.

Holding the remote in my hand that night, I flipped through channels and found nothing that interested me. When I came upon Billy Graham, I decided to watch him because there was nothing better to watch, frankly. Plus, I had a certain respect for Billy Graham and thought it wouldn’t hurt to watch and listen.

Little did I know that during that TV program, I would meet Jesus Christ Himself.

So, how did it happen?

It happened when Mr. Graham looked right at me through the TV camera and spoke to my broken heart. He said words about me that He could not possibly know unless God had revealed them to him. He described exactly how I was feeling and the situation I was in. He saw my broken heart.

Then Mr. Graham said something amazing. He said that Jesus was the answer to a broken heart. Since Jesus made the human heart, He was the only one who could fix it. Was I willing to have Jesus fix my broken heart?

That pivotal night, almost 55 years ago, I told Jesus I was willing for Him to fix my broken heart.

And do you know what?

He did!

So, if your heart is broken today, let Jesus Christ fix it. He is the only one who can.

And how do you do that? By inviting Him into your life and receiving Him as your personal Savior and Lord. Pray this simple prayer with me now:

Lord Jesus, I come to You just as I am. I admit that I am a sinner in need of Your mercy and grace. I repent of my sin, and I ask You to come into my life to be my Savior and Lord and to fix my broken heart. Thank You, Lord. I pray this prayer in Your Name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer sincerely from your heart, you are now a born-again child of God. Write to me at drmaryannn@maryanndiorio.com, and I will send you a free booklet titled After You’re Born Again.

In case you are not aware, I write heart-mending fiction that deals with the deepest issues of life. In my stories you will find characters just like you who struggle with what look like impossible issues. You can check out my books on my online bookstore at shop.maryanndiorio.com.

Until next time, remember that God loves you just as you are and just where you are, and He will help you to keep on Winning with the Word.

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Copyright 2024 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD. All Rights Reserved.