Weaknesses get a bad rap. Really, we don’t give them enough credit.

Strengths are always in the spotlight–when we were kids and even now as adults.

We live by our strengths; they preserve us.

But let’s talk about needs.

I remember entering the year feeling an earnest need for more of God’s guidance. Months later, I’m clear that my strengths won’t play much of a role in helping me get it.

I first learned that I never have to contemplate God’s guidance. He’s committed to it. “For He is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide, even to death” (Psalm 49:14).

His part is done, now I must do mine.

More of His guidance requires less of me. And “less of me” is everything opposite my strengths.

I associate “strengths” with power and stability; being firm and sure; comfortable; superior; being one or two steps ahead.

When I think “weaknesses” my mind goes to needing assistance; being sub-par, broken, mediocre and pliable.

How much can God truly guide me when I operate in my strengths?

Do I even hear His direction when I’m rock solid, proud, filled with self-confidence and feeling on top?

Flexing my strengths is way overrated and lacks the connection and potency I’m looking for.

On the other hand, my weaknesses make me good and uncomfortable to the point that I know I can’t do this–whatever it is–without Him.

It’s the place where I’m humble and God has my attention; where I am His clay, willing and ready to be shaped, molded and made stronger for Him.

I no longer say my weaknesses are negative.

In fact, there’s nothing more positive than being a helpless dependent on Christ.

In my strengths, I know God.

But in my weaknesses, I need Him.

And that’s when He guides me most.

by Lisa Birch

3 Responses to Striving to be Weak

  1. Nerry Jimenez says:

    Beautiful and so true. We are made whole in Christ that Loves us. Amen!

  2. Lynda Theriault says:

    I remember a time when I traveled to the Dominican Republic to help in our church mission. The team was praying together one night and I chose to go to bed instead. I was feeling pretty low because I was full of self-hatred, comparing myself with everyone else and coming up so short. I was in deep pain, exhausted, and did not have the energy to fight it.

    One of the team leaders came to encourage me to pray and worship with the team. She insisted that I join them so I did, but very reluctantly. During worship I felt that I should pray for some of the girls and God gave me words for about six of them. When we were finished, the leader that encouraged me to join them mentioned that I was so strong. I was so surprised because I felt so very weak!

    Then I had a revelation. I told her that the only reason I looked strong was because I “fell” on Jesus! (Picture yourself standing in front of Jesus and just falling into His arms, allowing Him to catch you and take care of you.) God told Paul the apostle “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul said “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

    I once had someone tell me that if I just seek God with all my heart, that He would take care of the rest. It was true. He has been my hiding place for 36 years now, and I love the fact that I can always “fall” on Him and rise up with His strength.

  3. Ann Meredith says:

    Good message – very timely for me. Thanks!

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