Strength in Weakness
Introduction
We all have weaknesses. Some of them we can easily accept because they are part of our nature or we consider them normal. But some weaknesses are difficult to accept. We hate ourselves for having them. We feel that we are disadvantaged or disabled. We try so hard to overcome them, and when they persist, we become disillusioned with ourselves. We feel there is no future for us. But how can we stand in God’s promises to overcome them?
Three Responses to Our Weaknesses
- *Rely* more on the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:26-27; cf. 22-25) – We are weak because we are fallen human beings living in a fallen world. But when we become aware of our weaknesses, we try so hard to overcome them. This is what the world tells us to do. But our striving only results in revealing more of our weaknesses. So, this becomes a spiral downwards. The solution is not to strive, but to rely more on the power of the Holy Spirit.
Rely more on the Holy Spirit. Click To Tweet - *Respect* others who are different. (Romans 14:1-4,10) – We are weak because we don’t understand everything and we tend to be immature in many ways. As a result, it’s easy for us to be judgmental toward others, especially when they are different from us or they disagree with us. Such an attitude is actually evidence of weakness. But we can overcome this by learning how to respect others who are different from us.
Respect others who are different. Click To Tweet - *Rejoice* in your weaknesses. (2 Corinthians 11:30-33; 12:7b-10) – When we are insulted or maligned, when people look down on us or judge us, we feel weak. It’s hard to handle rejections. We are all weak in that regard. We tend to withdraw or sulk because we think we are unworthy of love or respect from others. So, we try to prove them wrong. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help. The best thing to do is to accept the fact that our weaknesses are actually doorways for God’s power and faithfulness to be revealed.
Rejoice in your weaknesses. Click To Tweet
Conclusion
- Our weaknesses can be our *testimony* of God’s *faithfulness*.
Our weaknesses can be our testimony of God's faithfulness. Click To Tweet - Don’t look at your weaknesses as evidence of your incompleteness.
- In the presence of your weaknesses, tell others about God’s faithfulness.
Discussion
- Why is it hard to face our weaknesses?
- What have you learned that can help you turn them into strength?
- What would you do differently from now on?