We like to talk about our strengths more than our weaknesses. We often try to hide our weaknesses or deny them. We hate ourselves for having them and this prevents God from using our weaknesses.
God designed us with weaknesses for a reason so that through them His power and glory might be seen. He uses our weaknesses just as He uses our strengths.
KEY VERSE
“My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
A weakness is something we cannot change. As much as we may want to. It can physical, emotional or intellectual. But God is not limited by our weaknesses, He uses them for good.
The apostle Paul is one of the best examples of someone living with weaknesses, there is much we can learn from him. So how do we live with our weakness?
ADMIT OUR WEAKNESSES
Paul was honest about his weakness or as he called it a thorn (2 Corinthians 12:7). We must follow his example and be honest with ourselves. We can’t live in denial, that’s not truly living. As uncomfortable as facing the truth can be we need to admit our weaknesses. It is only when we recognise them that God will use them. God only works through us when we know Him and when we know ourselves (Matthew 16:16. Acts 14:15).
We’re only human. In this life perfection is unattainable, only in Heaven will it be possible. We must learn to accept and admit our weaknesses so God can use them.
BE CONTENT WITH OUR WEAKNESSES
Accepting our weakness is one thing but if we are following Paul’s example we must become content with them.
“I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT
Contentment is the state of being satisfied and at peace with what God has provided, trusting in His goodness and provision.
Paul names a few reasons we should be content with our weaknesses.
- They make us dependent on God.
- They prevent arrogance (2 Corinthians 12:7).
- They encourage fellowship.
- They increase our capacity for sympathy and ministry.
God specialises in turning our weaknesses into strengths.
SHARE OUR WEAKNESSES
God can use us more effectively when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and share our weaknesses.
Paul is the epitome of vulnerability. He shared his failures (Romans 7:19), his feelings (2 Corinthians 6:11), his frustrations (2 Corinthians 1:8) and his fears (1 Corinthians 2:3).
God wants us to be humble and share our weaknesses. The more honest we are, the more gracious He is to us. God works best in our weakness.
Our authenticity is what encourages and inspires others particularly when we are willing to share our weaknesses. Our weaknesses influence in ways our strength cannot. People will only trust in our faith if we are reliable, and honesty is the key.
GLORY IN WEAKNESS
“I am going to boast only about how weak I am and how great God is to use such weakness for his glory.” 2 Corinthians 12:5 LB
We live only because of God’s grace; we must praise Him for His understanding (Hebrews 4:15) and the Spirit who helps us (Romans 8:25). It is God who gave us weaknesses with intention. It is God who makes them our strength through His power. It is Him we rely on in our weaknesses. It is God who deserves all glory.
Paul talked about his weaknesses because he knew God would be glorified. He was humble to admit them for God’s glory. He became content with them for God’s glory and he shared them for God’s glory.
We must be willing to walk in weakness for the glory of God. For God’s glory is the reason we live and breathe. Our ultimate purpose is to bring Him glory
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Wholeheartedly Faithul 
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