Originally published Monday, 10 September 2018.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Hands down, strengths are easy! We can do them with no problem. However, knowing and dealing with our weaknesses – now that’s another story. That’s why in this week’s post, I’m going to talk to you about working on your weaknesses.
So, what are they? Is there anything that you know that needs to be worked on in regards to your skills, gifts, or talents? How about as it relates to your personal life or your walk with the Lord? For instance, it could be working on your attitude. Maybe you’re quick-tempered or quick to react in a negative way when you’re in the heat of a battle or test. Maybe you desire to respond properly regardless of the situation you’re placed in, but it’s a struggle to say or do the right thing.
The Apostle Paul talked about this struggle in Romans 7:18-20, “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong, it is sin living in me that does it.”
Do you see the struggle? Even back then in Paul’s day…the struggle was real!
So maybe you want to become a better woman of God, godly wife or mother, or better spiritual mentor to those whom God has entrusted to you. Or possibly you want to be able to love others better or deeper, be more patient in trials and with people, or grow closer to God. Maybe it's overcoming some sort of weakness or sin.
Whatever it is sis, Jesus knows that even when the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak (see Matthew 26:41). Meaning, He knows that you want to do what's right and do what pleases Him, but sometimes our flesh is frail and we let our weaknesses get the best of us. But here's the encouragement through the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:13, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Amen!
Personally, when I have issues, specific problem areas in my life or weaknesses, I have that heart-to-heart talk with God and say, “Yep, Lord. I need to work on that.” Or I'll say, "I know that I need to get rid of that." Truth is…we all struggle with these things in our lives. I believe that we all want to overcome our weaknesses.
Yet, sometimes there are weaknesses that are there for a reason to keep us from boasting or becoming proud. Those are the ones that keep us humble and reliant on the Lord. Remember Paul's affliction? He said in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, "Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, "My grace is sufficient. My power works best in weakness." Wow!
Sometimes we have to accept God's will over what we want and echo the words of Paul, "For when I am weak, then I am strong." In other words, it's a mind-shift. It's taking a new perspective. It's coming to a place where you can say, "Okay Lord, your grace is sufficient. When I'm weak, you are strong."
In saying this, I encourage you to know the difference between a weakness that God wants you to work on (like sin, weak areas that just need cultivation, etc.) or whether it's something that He has allowed to be in your life to keep you reliant on Him. That's why I believe praying, asking, personal reflection, and taking the time to pinpoint your weaknesses will be really helpful. Also, trust that the Holy Spirit will be your guide and the Word will light your path for strength or deliverance where needed.
So again, what are your weaknesses? Do you have any right now? Whatever they may be, I would suggest that you think about them and search for specific Scriptures on them and begin doing a personal Bible Study on those areas. I would even choose maybe three verses and begin memorizing them. And then allow the Holy Spirit to help you to use them right when they're needed. That is a sure way to help you to not only work on your weaknesses, but to overcome them or be strengthened by His grace.
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
QUESTION: Are there any weaknesses in your life that can you begin working on with the help of the Word and the Holy Spirit, right now? Are there any weaknesses that you think God is allowing like the Apostle Paul (i.e. the thorn in his flesh)? If you need prayer, feel free to email me directly for prayer @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you.
ALSO, my NEW 8-Week Study Guide and Video Teaching Series from my book, "IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose” is FINALLY available!!! Purchase here.
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