Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could submit a resume of our weaknesses? Just admit right up front “Hey, this is where I need help. I’m not strong in this area! I have this problem that I can’t defeat in my own strength.”
The world looks at our strengths and praises us because of them. God looks at our weaknesses and chooses to use them (1 Corinthians 1:27). And the apostle Paul suggests we should boast in our shortcomings!
“…Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Paul determined to brag about his weakness, so that the power of Christ in him could be seen.
What? TELL EVERYBODY about my weaknesses or my past? No way! I’ve got it all together now, I’m not going to dredge any of that up.
But rather than hide our weaknesses, addictions or areas of lack, we can proclaim them and share them with others. They become our testimony.
And they overcame him (Satan) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. Revelation 12:11(NASB)
When we share our past mistakes, our messes and our trials with others, they can see how the blood of Christ has changed us, and His grace has strengthened us. Testimonies give hope to others. Take a look at these powerful stories I have heard through the years:
◆ I am an alcoholic (drug addict, addicted to pornography), but by the grace of God, I no longer have a desire to drink (do drugs, look at porn). He delivered me and crushed my addiction under His feet!
◆ I’m scared stiff to stand in front of people and speak. My heart races, my voice and hands shake, and I can’t catch my breath. But God’s grace enables me to stand and speak when I am called to do so. I have even volunteered to teach a class at church!
◆ I didn’t want to go on that mission trip. I’m scared to fly, I’m an introvert, I’m a home body. I didn’t know what I would do or say once I got there. But God! He gave me words to say, He brought me out of my shell, He calmed my fears.
◆ I was able to forgive my ex-husband for all the pain he caused me and my family. But not in my own strength. It was Christ in me. It was God’s supernatural grace that gave me the will and power to forgive.
God can turn your mess into a message and your test into a testimony. (Author unknown)
Our stories of weakness and how we overcome by the grace of God, glorify Him. And that’s something to brag about.
What’s your story?
Until next week,
Joining these lovely writers. Be sure to visit their pages, you’ll be encouraged!
Suzie Eller, Live Free Thursday
Kelly at Purposeful Faith
Holly at Testimony Tuesday
Crystal at Intentionally Pursuing the Heart of God
Jennifer at Tell His Story
Lyli at 3D Lessons for Life, Thought Provoking Thursday
Hi Ellen,
How perfectly timed this is! I let some of my poorer qualities overtake me this week (a big number birthday may or may not have instigated this! :)) but as I felt helplessly pulled into my moods, I tried to bring them to God instead. It didn’t immediately, but as I told him I don’t know what to do, but here’s what I’m feeling . . . the next morning I woke up refreshed and relieved of those feelings! Love these words today!
Oh, Valerie, you crack me up! Surely you are no older than 20?? Praise God, He loves us even in our weakest moments, when our ugly side tends to show through…
Sharing my weaknesses requires a transparency that is scary! Thank you Ellen, for encouraging me to go there in faith!
Oh, yes Christa! So very scary! But when we are weak, He is strong in us!
Great message, Ellen. Love your resume. Mine would include: Rollercoaster. I’m all over the place. One moment I’m proud and overconfident and the next I feel like I’m unable to do anything right. Legalist. I’m a rule-follower. But when I mess up (or someone else does), I pour out judgment, quick and sure. Comfort-seeker. I like my comfort zone. And sometimes God has to blast me out of it.
Ooh. I don’t like this resume at all! But it’s the truth. So thankful for God’s grace. May our resumes change as God does His work in our lives. Thanks for this thought-provoking post, Ellen.
Sabra! We are so alike: rule follower, comfort seeker..yep, that’s me! AS He has His way in us, we will need to update our resumes!
Loved this blog on Bragging rights and such a good topic of discussion. Love your willingness to share and it encourages all of us to do so. Want to share with folks at my church in hopes to do in small grpups at some point thank you sweet friend.
Hey LouLou! So glad you stopped by! Thankful that our God spoke to you through this post!
“When we share our past mistakes, our messes and our trials with others, they can see how the blood of Christ has changed us, and His grace has strengthened us. ” Ellen, this is so true. It’s so much better to share our struggles rather than wear a plastered smile that says everything is okay. It’s true that God’s strength shines through our weakness and shows us and others His power and His love. Thank you for sharing! I’m glad I’m next to you at #IntentionalTuesday this week. Blessings to you!
Hi Gayle! I love what you said: God’s strength shines through our weaknesses! Yes, indeed! Thank you for visiting!
Great stuff here, Ellen. My list is long, and I’m thankful God loves me and uses me despite of this long list! Beautifully encouraging for all of us, my friend! Thank you. It’s a joy to do life with you. Much love!
Julie, it’s so good to “see” you here! I think we all have long lists, amen? But when we allow Him to use our weaknesses to show His strength, wow! What a story!
This is fabulous Ellen! I never really focused on those parts of scripture about our weaknesses..but boy, you put them under microscope — and what wisdom they offer!!
How, too, when we reveal our weaknesses, they become the way to intimacy with others who share similar weaknesses.. God uses our vulnerabilities and weaknesses!!
Thank you for sharing such wonderful insights! Visiting from next door #RaRaLinkup
Hi Kathy! We need to open ourselves up, so that others can see they are not alone! Thanks for visiting!
My weakness list would probably be longer than my list for Santa as a child. But my bragging rights are Christ in me! Thankful for His grace and the hope testimonies bring. Thank you, Ellen, for sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing. : )
Christ in me, hope of glory! Yes, ma’am! Thank you for hosting Intentional Tuesday!
Yes, I can brag on the strength of God in my weak life! Great post Ellen. Thanks for sharing:) Visiting from intentional Tuesday! Glad I stopped by:)
Glad you stopped by also, Lisa! His strength in our weakness is ALWAYS something to brag about!
Hi Ellen, just Wow! Open confession on your resume takes a lot of bravery. I admire your strength and sincerity. I pray more women get blessed reading this.
Blessings to you
Ifeoma, thank you for your encouraging comments! I’m so glad you stopped by today!
Ellen, this is full of truth and I needed to hear it here! God takes our mess & turns it into a message. What an amazing God! Thank you for sharing with us at #RaRaLinkup!
Thank you for your wonderful encouragement, Angela! Blessings to you, today!