You know there are the basic weaknesses. Self-control (mine is with food), spiritual disciplines, prayer, faith, jealousy, worry, how about stepping up or out, time management, or maybe being too rigid, biting your nails, too perky, too grumpy, leader, follower, bitterness, clean freak, clutter bug, these are just to name a few of the many things that we consider a weakness.
The other day I was asked by a good friend for something she could pray for, for my week. This friend by the way is my opposite in many ways. She is the picture of order, schedule, and peace (at least when I compare her outsides to my CRAZY), while I seem to thrive on a healthy dose of chaos, craziness, and over extending myself. She is a wonderful prayer warrior, and from time to time asks this question. Often I say the usual, kids, ministry, patience, etc. For some unknown reason this day I decided to very transparent with this person.
So what did I ask for prayer for? Fear, doubt, and worry in my leadership positions. See I was not born to be a leader. Qualities of a great leader do not necessarily come easily, yet I find myself in that position. Why, you may ask. Because, I am a people pleaser who is not afraid to jump right in to see some crazy notion become a reality. Being a servant type personality is not always great for a leader, because in wanting to please I fear offending, hurting, or causing strife as well as doubt if the direction I see is the right one. I was feeling the weight of my inabilities to lead with gusto, confidence, and gentleness so I asked for prayer.
"My (Jesus') grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
2 Corinthians 12:9a
My sweet friend wrote back that she was shocked I had asked for prayer in this area. She had seen me as a well equipped leader. Feeling it was something I was good at and enjoyed. She included this verse. To her my weakness was strength, and since I knew that it was not my strength then I had allowed God's strength to work through me. What a humbling and amazing thought.
"Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
2 Corinthians 12:9b
So I will lead. No longer from a place of weakness, but from God's power and grace, and I will boast that He, not I am the reason I can do it well.
Where in your life can you claim this verse?
(If you can't think of an area talk to your spouse, friend, or parent about areas you see as weak. I bet you find one in which they see strength. If not take a weakness and look for ways to make it into a strength that with God's help will glorify him.)
Blessings for your week ahead,
Dennae
Enjoyed your blog Denna! Seems we share alot of the same struggles and pleasures in life.Although it seems we are so busy day to day I really would enjoy getting to know you more..It is hard for me to reach out to others when I'm the one needing the help,wanting a friend to share my life with and who understands why i would want to parent 13 kids.Thanks for sharing maybe we could both step out of our comfort zones and realize with HIM we can conquer anything life throws at us! Are you attending womens retreat?? I think I will attend this year :)
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