Everybody has issues in their lives that are weaknesses for them. Some people are great athletes, while others are awkward. Some people are gifted bakers, while others tend to burn everything they touch in the kitchen. These kinds of weaknesses are simply our human frailties. No one person has it all together, or is perfect. There are other weaknesses in the heart and character of man that are not human frailties – rather, they are sinful. These weaknesses are things that we have control and choice over, such as accountability, lying, or self-control.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
This verse is referring to our human frailties and flaws, not the weaknesses in our lives that are there because of our sinful choices. Everyone struggles with something and that’s okay – as long as we recognize that there is Someone much stronger than we are Who can help us overcome any sinful weakness or issue that we are dealing with if we allow Him to do it. But we have to recognize it for what it is, then release that weakness to Him. Too often we have a tendency to wrestle it back, try to deal with it on our own in our own power. The Bible is full of examples where this strategy never worked. David’s sin with Bathsheba and his subsequent murder of her husband is just one example. Paul was not talking about sinful weaknesses.
There are legitimate lack of skills and weaknesses that every person has to deal with and struggle with in their life. If it’s simply a lack of skill, then we can recognize where we need to grow and where we can use that weakness to bring God glory. We can continue to learn, improve and work on certain areas, for there is always something we can work on! We can strengthen one area of our life (perhaps learn to be a better encourager even if that’s not our spiritual gift) only to find that God has revealed a new frailty or weakness in our life. But the key here that Paul was talking about is that these open up opportunities for Jesus to manifest His power, and to show His grace is sufficient for us. That brings Him great glory.
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)
- Recognizing our weaknesses is a mark of maturity.
- Knowing what our certain gifts are not, can keep us humble and bent on our knees before God as He helps walk us through those areas.
- Our human frailties can help us relate to others who deal with their own flaws, errors, and mistakes – thus making us a better and more understanding leader.
- The human weaknesses we have remind us that we need one another and can hold one another accountable when it’s an area of sin.
- Weaknesses help us keep perspective and focus on goals. They are also opportunities for huge growth and change in our hearts and lives.
Not every hurdle or weakness in life is easily overcome. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Identify your weak spots – the soft areas that could use strengthening in your life. Work on them, little by little and change them into areas that minister to others. Just remember that what you might consider a hindrance in your life, God will use for His glory. So give it to Him; let it become a catalyst for your own growth and for bettering others. Use your experience with overcoming these same areas for good. God turns everything for good for those who love Him and are called according to His great purpose (Rom. 8:28). We must remain teachable and moldable before Him.
Watch Him use what you thought was a human weakness, and see how He turns it into a beautiful and powerful testimony of grace while your spiritual heart flourishes in the process.
Pause and Reflect:
- List three weaknesses or shortcomings in your life that have been turned for good. Thank God for His work in your life to transform these areas.
- Now the hard part: List three areas that need improvement and strengthening. Find a trusted friend and discuss the desire for growth. Ask for help and prayer. (Jam. 5:16)
– LeaderSource SGA
Prayer Guideline:
With Dionna’s comments in mind, pray through Paul’s powerful words about human weakness and frailty:
For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly, we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:11-16)
