Weaknesses. We all have them. We don't like them, and a lot of times we don't like to admit them. Some of us believe we need to be perfect. Whether it's to meet other's expectations or even our own, or because we think being perfect gives us value, we often try to outrun our weaknesses, seeking to portray this "I've got it all together" person to the world and ourselves.
The apostle Paul also wanted his weaknesses gone. 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 This boasting will do no good, but I must go on. I will reluctantly tell about visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. 3 Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know 4 that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell. 5 That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses. 6 If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
I know I've gone through times when I've begged God to change something in me. To remove my addictive nature, to make me a person of patience and peace....and yet the battles still go on. It's frustrating. It's discouraging. And yet the Bible tells us in Ephesians 5:20: And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Everything. Notice the key word there! That includes my weaknesses.
I struggle to find thankfulness for my shortcomings. I feel defeated by them so many times. But today I am determined to make friends with them. To accept them as part of me until the Lord decides they no longer serve a purpose in my life. As I've read today's devotional from "Thirty-one Days of Praise," I'm finally seeing that if God wanted certain parts of my personality changed instantly He would have done so already. Arguing, cajoling, whining....none of this will get God to move any faster then He knows is best. Nothing the Lord does or doesn't do is without purpose, wisdom, kindness and love. My job is obedience and cooperation with the Holy Spirit.
Now, I know that when I have a weakness that causes me to treat others badly, and be hurtful then that needs to go...sooner rather than later. And it is something that needs serious work with the Holy Spirit. I never want to make the excuse that God hasn't changed that behavior in me so it's all right.
In all of my shortcomings, to God be the glory. I know that when He works through them...He shines. I know when He removes some bad habit from my life (like He did with drug and alcohol addiction) He gets the praise and honor. And I know when I do something that I have no talent for in obedience to Him, it points people to a powerful, mighty God who is greater then any weakness or problem in our lives. And it also reminds us to humbly walk with our God, and in His strength. There really is no other way.
Lord, thank You today that I have weaknesses. They drive me to You, the remind me to lose pride, and tell me to be patient with the people around me...we are all in the same boat. Lord, not only let me be merciful to those around me who have shortcomings just like me...but let me celebrate their strengths and achievements so that You will be glorified. Lord, forgive me for complaining about the things I struggle with. I know some of that is born of pride and perfectionism. Lord, I also know, and am very thankful for that You have given me a heart to desire change, and a heart that longs to glorify You and show love to others. I know You are working all things our for my good and for Your purpose. And in Your perfect time You'll change the parts of me that You no longer want here. Lord, I pray for all of us that we have soft, listening hearts and cooperative spirits. Help us to be obedient instantly to Your correction and instruction. Be glorified. In the Name of our Mighty Savior, Jesus Christ.
Give thanks in all things with a heart to glorify God.
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