It has taken me a long time to learn what great power there is in weakness. For most of my life I was like the world I grew up in. I was not a fan of weakness or vulnerability.
Weakness and extreme shyness were not admired traits in my home. As I said before, I grew up in a house-full of boisterous and outgoing people of sanguine temperament.
For those of you who are not up on the lingo of temperament analysis, Sanguines are “the life of the party” types.
Those fun-loving non-serious and bold types.
I, on the other hand was the very serious contemplative type.
Yeah, born a misfit (I believed) as an out-of-place, “What’s WRONG with you?” solitude-loving, thinker-type.
Put me in a room full of strangers and watch me melt into the wallpaper, tongue-tied, and looking for the nearest exit!
Hardly “life-of-the-party” material!
So, naturally I longed, no maybe that’s not quite right—I LONGED to be more outgoing.
Why is it God often will “call us” to that VERY THING we are convinced we CANNOT do?
(I think there’s something a little mischievous about that!)
Yet, in my own ordeals with my personal weaknesses, that is the very place God wants to use me—right in the spot I feel most helpless.
Here’s what God had to teach me.
He does not want us “out there strutting our stuff” where we feel all capable, and ready to take on the world.
In my own case it’s in those areas where I feel strongest that He will pull back hardest on the reins.
And, where I feel the weakest?
He cheers for me with gusto and abandon!
Actually our so called “strengths” are our weaknesses, and visa-versa our weaknesses, are our greatest strengths from a Kingdom point of view.
The Apostle Paul knew all about this upside down way things work. In 2 Corinthians 12 he tells us, “Three different times I begged God…” He had a weakness he desperately wanted to be rid of. God’s response to his prayers? “Each time He said, ‘No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” [vs. 8, 9 TLB]
From God’s point of view our weakness is the place where He can shine. I don’t like it. (You probably don’t like it either.) But that’s the deal. Where I am weak? God’s power is perfected in me.
Where your hands shake, your voice quakes, and your knees wobble?
Yep, that’s the spot, where you will cling to Him for all you’re worth!
YOU ARE READY
All eyes will be upon you now.
(Don’t be frightened.)
You are ready.
Your whole life has been in preparation for the door you are about to enter. Keep your eyes… (Oh, those beautiful eyes!) Keep them on Me. You know I have called you. Your suffering has made your calling sure. If you ever doubt it, you have only to look in the mirror. It is there, staring back at you. Your greatest weakness will become your greatest strength!
The world hates brokenness. It hates weakness. This you know quite well. But, now you see, when brokenness and weakness link up with Me, and My Spirit, power is the result!
My power. (Mightier than split atoms!) is perfected in weakness. This you have been learning. This you now know!
There will be many who will say I have not called you. (Forget them.) Look in the mirror. Remember, mighty are you in My Kingdom child. Angels will be at your beck and call. I AM in you. You are in Me. Vine and branch; potence and Omnipotence!
I will be at your side. I have have gone ahead of you, into your future to secure it, and I have your back. You are My child. No one can take you from My hand! Be strong. Be of a good courage. You can change the world.
You are going to change the world.
You are My beloved child.
Nothing, and no one, can ever change that!
“I the Lord have called you to demonstrate my righteousness.” Isaiah 42:6
Women With Destiny 