God’s Plan for Our Weakness
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.
Whether you’re an old friend or a new one, I hope you’ll stay a while. And if you like what you find, don’t hesitate to subscribe to my blog or find me on Facebook or Twitter so we can stay in touch. Better yet, I’d love to meet face to face. I’m scheduling speaking commitments for the 2016/2017 school year. I’d be delighted to join you at a special event this year.
Over at Encouragement for Today, I’m talking about how God has a plan for our gaps as well as for our gifts. And I’m preaching that truth right here today, too, so keep reading and be encouraged!
************************************************************************************************************************************* “Maybe God is asking you to serve out of your weakness instead of your strength,” my friend murmured as she reached for my hand and gave it a knowing squeeze.
We were curled up on the couch in the middle of a toy-riddled living room, ourconversation rising over the roar of the children playing at our feet. The baby cried. The toddlers argued. And the preschoolers swung between song and laughter. But those whispered words rose above the noisy chaos and pierced my heart with clamoring clarity and I wasn’t sure how to respond.
We were just ordinary women sharing our dreams and our hearts over coffee and kids.
We certainly didn’t have life all figured out, but we’d learned that it’s far more fun to chase Jesus together. So we brought our worries and our worship to God right there on the alter of that spit-up-stained couch.
We prayed over our marriages and our children, our personal challenges and our private battles. We asked for perseverance in the daily grind and a sense of humor for the long-haul. And year after year, we begged God to take our humble lives and use them for His glory.
It was an audacious request, really. We were just moms who spent our days changing diapers, not changing the world. But time and again, we’d seen God answer that simple prayer. He’d opened doors for us to serve Him in our homes and beyond, and He’d infused our dreams with vivacity and vision.
For the first time in my life, I was comfortable with the me I’d been created to be and didn’t feel compelled to apologize for who I wasn’t. I could identify my gifts with gratitude and admit my limitations without guilt. And I was content to stay in that place, living from a place of quiet confidence and serving God with passion and purpose.
But then this ministry opportunity had fallen into my lap, and I’d asked my friend to join me as I prayed for wisdom in my reply. I’d assumed that I’d get a quick “no” from the Lord and move on without glancing back. After all, the job I’d been offered didn’t make sense. It didn’t line up with my natural gifting or maximize my personal strengths. It didn’t plant me in my sweet spot or ignite my personal passions. And the timing didn’t even make sense. My hours were already stretched to capacity with five little ones and a busy household.
Yet, after weeks of prayer, I felt in my spirit like God was asking me to say YES to this dubious invitation.
“I must be hearing wrong,” I’d told my friend when she’d asked me about it that morning on the saggy plaid couch. “I mean, why would God ask me to do this? I can think of a dozen people who are better equipped for the job than me.”
And then she’d spoken those words that had made my heart lurch.
I fully believed that God had a script for my strengths, but I’d never considered that He might have a plan for my weaknesses as well.
And, to be honest, the thought was downright terrifying. I’d rather bring Him glory through my gifts than my gaps. I’d prefer to make His name famous through my savvy not my shortcomings.
The last few drops of our coffee had grown cold and the kids were begging to go outside to play, so we surrendered the comfort of the couch and followed them out the back door.
Our gaggle of preschoolers danced around the swing set with happy hops. And soon my friend’s son was dangling from the monkey bars that stretched in a silver gleam across the play set. He swung from one silver rung to the next with strong arms and an endearing smile. And when he reached the end, he dropped to the ground with a graceful plunk and gave his mama a high five.
My daughter was the next one to try out her “monkey moves.” She waved at me from the top of the ladder and beckoned me to watch. “I’m gonna do it, too, Mommy,” she announced.
But once my slender-armed girl gripped the first bar, she couldn’t figure out how to move any farther. She kicked her legs and tried to gain some momentum to sway her body to the next rung, but she couldn’t convince her legs to move in sync with her white-knuckled hands. She hung in mid-air, swinging in uncertainty until she finally let out a frustrated squeal.
“My arms are shaking! I’m gonna fall”
I moved across the yard toward the swing set, but my friend’s firstborn reached my daughter first. “Don’t worry, Maggie,” he soothed. “I’m here.” Then, with brotherly love, he wrapped his arms around her swaying torso and steadied her flailing frame. “Just move your hands,” he encouraged. “I’ll hold you so you don’t fall.”
With her friend’s strong arms beneath her legs, my girl let go of her present bar and reached for the next one. “You can do it, Maggie,” her buddy cheered.
Little by little, Maggie moved from one silver bar to the next, and finally she made it to the other side.
She dropped to the ground and returned her friend’s kindness with a happy hug. Then she stepped back and looked at him as if they’d never met before. And with a burst of four-year-old admiration she exclaimed, “I never knew you were so strong!”
Her friend glowed with crimson pride, and I felt a pang of quiet knowing prod my heart.
Maybe God was asking me to serve in my weakness, so I could more fully know His strength.
Maybe, instead of relying on my gifts, He wanted me to experience His grace.
Maybe, He was inviting me out of my comfort zone so I could find my comfort in Him alone.
It still felt awkward. And it didn’t make perfect sense. But suddenly, I was willing to say yes.
After all, God would not leave me to dangle in distress. The one who holds all things together would hold me, too.
And, so, as my daughter climbed the ladder to try those monkey bars again, I took a leap of faith and said yes to the Lord.
Okay, Father, I whispered. I’ll do it! For your glory, not mine.
*************************************************************************************************************************************Today, I’m
giving away these beautiful candle holders from Dayspring as a reminder that God’s light can shine through our “holes.”
If you’d like to enter to win, just leave a comment and tell us one way you’ve experienced God’s strength in your weakness.
Or, if you’re in a hurry, just say, “When I am weak, He is strong.”
Praying His luster will shine through our lack this week, friends!
I love to sing. When I’m sitting in the pew my voice is clear, strong and loud. The pastor sat in front of me and heard me sing. Since, he has asked me several times to sing. I did sing with my daughter recently during a singing night. When I got on stage I wanted to run. My fear overwhelms me; I lose my breathe; my heart feels like it’s going to pound out of my chest. My husband said he couldn’t really hear me very well at all. I felt so defeated. I wanted to give up.
I began to cry out to God to deliver me from my fear; read about all His promises concerning fear and just fell at His feet in my weakness. A couple weeks ago God put a song on my heart (Magnify by We are Messengers). I feel in my heart that He wants me to sing it and He Promises to be by my side and showed me that as long as I focus my praise on Him throughout the song all will be well. That fear cannot reach the height of praise! To God be all the glory!
I am weak, but He is strong.
Walking with some extended family through some very hard times not long ago, I got to the point where I felt like I could not move physically from all the emotions flowing through. Spiritually I felt so weak that I could barely utter a prayer – there were no words. But God reminded me of The Lord’s Prayer which I prayed so many times until my words flowed again. When I am weak, He is strong.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me all the strength I need. My Lord, direct my pathway today. One day at a time, one step at a time.
I’ve been begging God for relief from the ‘gaps & holes’ in me not considering His interest & ability to use them to His & my advantage….thank you for spinning my perspective & reminding me of how great Gid is in all parts of my life.
I am in a graduate program to teach ESL. I have 4 children 8 years old and under. We need a second income badly hence my reason for returning to school. But I always said I would NEVER teach. And here I am. I keep thinking, “God, are you sure about this?” I mean, it fits my skill set but I always said I would NEVER teach. God is showing me something new about myself, stretching me and assuring me of his presence and strength.
Your writings speak deep into my heart – what a lovely way to encourage. Thank you for saying YES.
My oldest son was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes just days before his 2nd birthday, in 2014. We’ve had to fully rely on God to get us through this disease day by day. My son turned four this past Sunday. He’s now lived over half of his life with Type One. And I’ve now been a parent of a child with Type One for longer than I was a parent pre-diagnosis. We could not have made it to today without God! He’s the hope we cling to for each day’s encounters. His strength is ever perfect in our weakness.
Wow. I love this because I have really struggled with a weakness this summer and I have never once thought about how God could use that to shine through me! I have just been trying to figure out why I felt the way I did, why I was having the thoughts that I was having & I have asked Him to forgive me time & time again! I feel like sometimes that I have my boxing gloves on to fight Satan & that’s all I can do. Thank you for sharing & helping me to see things in a different light. God bless you!
When I am weak, He is strong! Amen!
I am full to overflowing ….. Truly anointing is flowing through each word.
Oh what Beautiful candles to go with my newly painted living area! I am an introvert by nature and thrive best serving God behind the scenes. God has drawn me out of my comfort zone by having me lead and shepherd a group of 16 women in Bible Study from September to May. This is very uncomfortable for me but I know it will take the focus off myself and onto God where He will get the glory. I know I will grow through this even though it will definitely be from a place of my weakness depending totally on His strength in me.
What a precious and timely devotional. I’m saying yes to His strength as I prepare for major surgery on 09/22 and continue to see one or two counseling clients each day. With His help, I’ll embrace that glorious strength in spite of my current weakness for as long as I can.
When I melted, yet again when grief overwhelmed me, God came in and gave me wisdom to make a decision that I never thought I could do – sell my house. Thank you for these encouraging words that stirred within me.
Alicia, your devotion reminded me of my cousin’s desire for only the shells with the holes. She too saw beauty in their potential. Thank you for your encouragement and reminding me of a special visit with my cousin! : )
What a perfect message to receive during this time in my life….. I am beyond weak and definitely need His strength more than ever!
I feel like I am being pulled in all directions, betrayed, belittled, broken hearted. Whatever His plan is for this pain…. I pray for an abundance of His strength!
When I am weak, he is strong. Lord help me to lean on your more each day.
I just accepted the position of children’s ministry director at our church…with three little ones ages 4, 2, and 10 months. It lines up with my gifts but it’s hard for me to believe the timing is right because I have so little time and energy and even brain space. So tricky right now. But I felt the Lord saying the same thing – that if I felt I had the time I’d be much more likely to depend on my own strength. It’s all got to be him! Thank you for this encouragement.
Wow Rathai… this looks amazing.. Your photography looks superb and sense of style is very unique..Its been a while since I've visited your blog ..Rathai, you are an amazing cook and a wonderful photographer ..Keep it up..:))Reva
God’s strength has helped me through many life altering events that I didn’t, at the time, think I would be able to get through. And I know there will be many more to come. Thank you for 2 exceptionally great devotions today!
God is asking me to share a dark time in my life on my blog to show His best in my worst. It’seems overwhelming and scary, but I want to be obedient.
We all have weak moments and they can be so hard .. I love the reminder that we all have a purposeful God .. He has a plan for us and even though we may not see it right now, God knows the future .. He holds us in his Hands …
“When I am weak, He is strong.” I’ve been VERY weak lately, maybe for years and still trying to open my heart to let God be strong through me.
For the last 9 months I have been going through such a valley with a divorce I tried so hard in my own strength to avoid and feel the weakest I’ve ever been in my 40 years of walking with Jesus! I know beyond a shadow of a doubt God is going to use this and me for His glory. I just don’t know how yet. I loved this devotion today because I feel like I’m in the midst of surrendering every thing I’ve held so tightly to for 20 years! My marriage, my 3 beautiful children, and even my possessions and ministry in church! I’m struggling! Every single day I wake up I ask God to use my “holes” , as you put it, to shine through! I fail sometimes, but I’m resting on His promises to hold me together and being me through these tough times. I’m praising Him in this storm! Thank you for your encouragement today! God bless you!
I loved this. It was so on time. Last night I read these verses and I heard God tell me “your weaknesses are my greatness”” I admit I’m still not 100% on what he means, but I know he told me to read this devotion today instead of the other one I always read first. OK God I don’t like it but use my weaknesses to show your glory.
God has given me His strength to continue being who He wants me to be for Him when I’d like to plan things for Him. He allowed me to teach 8 years with a chronic illness. He continues to show me I’m beautiful and useful when I surrender all to Him as truly trust He bows best. I had to quit teaching due to my health challenges and I grieve that. As I wait for what He as planned next, I know my Father knows best! Waiting is not my strength as I’m used to planning and implementing. He is giving me His peace as I listen for His guidance.
I am weak but he is strong! I’ve been living with MS for over 28 years and Lupus for 8 years, with these two major autoimmune diseases I also have Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and the beginning of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Since the diagnosis of the Lupus I’ve been basically bed ridden that has brought on severe depression. As I lay here in my bedroom looking at these walls and all the mess of my house I feel worthless but Praise Jesus precious name He speaks to me through wonderful devotionals like yours today! My wonderful and truly faithful husband always willing to do whatever I can not and never once complaining is my biggest encourager to lift me up when ever I’m having a really bad day. Praise Jesus! Those that know me tells me that I’m an inspiration to them because no matter what I’m going through I can always encourage them. I’m only able to do this with Gods wonderful grace and mercy! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us today for I surely needed it TODAY! May God continue to bless you in all you do for his name sake! Amen and Amen!
I needed to read this today… Thank you so very much!!! I have been struggling a lot lately… I am a single mom and I just lost my job and have been praying hard on what to do and how to figure things out… But sometimes its not for us to figure it out and sometimes that is a hard realization. But I give God all the Glory, because I know things could be much much worse and I am so grateful for His protection and guidance.
Loving this devotional! It hit home with me in so many areas of my life. I am amazed at God’s love for me, how He holds me up and helps me make it through each day, each situation, each circumstance, each relationship. He is awesome! He is my Deliverer! He has accomplished so much and every time I stand back and look at Him, I am overcome with gratitude and marvel for Him! Thank You Jesus for being my Savior, my Lord, my Life!!!
I am weak but he is strong to help me lead a Young Mom’s Bible Study. I am not a teacher but I have a heart for young Moms and want to encourage them and help them to raise their children to know the Lord.
I am weak but he is strong to handle my ongoing health issues. I give God all the glory. Praise God
We just moved our family from a place we have lived 16 years to a new place. My husband is going from a job of senior pastor to the executive director of pure desire ministries. I have experienced God’s strength in my weakness through this entire transition. There are speaking opportunities in the future and public speaking is not my gift. I know God will use me despite my weaknesses. This ministry saved my marriage 6 years ago and even though I don’t feel like I have the gifts to do public speaking, I know God is going to use me and it is both scary and exciting.
I am raising a son with a disability. His disabled peers surpass him in every way, and he is the one with the “hole”. I have been grieving my losses. Knowing God loves him and has a life purpose hasn’t helped me adjust any better. This article about weakness really touched me in a way I cannot put into words, but I think it is time I “let go” of my plans for my son and see what God does with his and my weaknesses. Thank you for the Prov. 31 ministry.
Dear Special Parent,
My heart goes out to you. May God to provide you mental, physical, and spiritual strength. May He comfort your fears and exhaustion and amaze you with help that you can’t imagine now.
You might find “I Am Strong” by John S. Dickerson very helpful in understanding God’s plan for you and your son. God bless.
For several years I had been trying to turn my life around and move to a different area to get out of a dysfunctional relationship. Last summer, I was extremely disappointed when I did not get approved for an apartment I applied for and had to sign another year lease in the same area. My son started high school in the old neighborhood and was very disappointed as well. As the year progressed we seemed to be not only be stuck in a holding pattern but actually going backwards–the person that I was in a relationship with that I was trying to break off no longer had a place to live and asked to stay with me for a while. I reluctantly said yes and things got much worse. Literally since 2012, I had been fasting (Daniel fast) and praying about freedom from this situation. When the apartment did not go thru, I thought ALL hope was lost and thought this would be my life. In spring of this year, I collapse and passed out while walking to the train station from work. I was rushed to the hospital and found out I had blood clots. I was off work for a while then worked from home for several months. During this time is when things started to turn around. God led me to a company that assists with finding apartments and by the Grace of God, the 1st apartment they recommended approved me for an apartment that was not only bigger but nicer than the one I previously tried to get and in an area much further away. Though it costs more, God allowed me to get the apartment at a discounted rate because it didn’t have upgrades like brand new appliances but it is still a great apartment! Because I had already planned to move, I had been packed for the whole year prior to getting the new place and was able to pack what little was needed during the time I was off. God is so good in that even though the new place costs more, he has been blessing me through the help of my parents to ensure that I have enough to cover rent. I have not asked them and am willing to sacrifice but they offer to help every time I need it without me even telling them (God puts it on their hearts). Overall, I can say this has been a faith walk that I did not expect but is new and exciting and in the mist of everything God has given me peace. Literally where I was weak (sick, financially, etc) he has been my strength and though I tried to do it on my own last year, the verse “They that wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings like and eagle, they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31) has been an encouraging life verse for me (and really the whole chapter). So what happened to the guy? Well, I had been telling him all along I was moving and he needed to get a place to live so when the day came, movers packed up all my things and my son and I moved–without him. The area we are in being much further away was truly a blessing! GOD IS AMAZING ladies so no matter how grim the situation seems, He can do what we can not and where we are weak, He is strong!!! 🙂
I just started staying home with my 2 year old and homeschooling my 9 year old. I was good at what I did professionally , but not so good at dealing with the chaos that comes with being with my exuberant boys 24/7. God is teaching me to be more flexible and trusting and to let go of my need to have control over every situation .
When I am weak, He is strong. Everyday I must ask the Holy Spirit to guide me because each and everyday I need His strength to carry me in my weakness. I will be starting a new job at the end of this week and I will need to rely on God’s strength to do it.. Thank you for this message todat. It was an encouragement to me.
I have been waiting for a very important phone call for three months. I have been experiencing discrimination at work and while on break last Thursday, I was venting my frustrations to the Lord. “I don’t know how much more I can take of this!” That very same day, I came home to find a message waiting for me on my phone!
In our weaknesses He never leaves nor forsakes us. He is the footprint in the sand when we are feeling very low. He is our joy when we are not happy. He is the reason we can get up every morning and make it through the day with joy. Thank you, Jesus
God has put me to work at a Christian non-profit where I see His work in constant action despite my weaknesses.
When I am weak, He is strong!
I work a high stress job. So daily I have to let God shine though or I couldn’t help these special children .
I’m reading your blog during breakfast before the start of a very busy week. Thank you for the reminder that Jesus is faithful to be our strength and provision when life is overwhelming. This gives me a ren
Thank you for your devotion. It encouraged me today because I have been struggling with a fear of people (a fear of rejection and loss of approval), and there are times that God nudges me to talk to people, and I am afraid to obey. I had an opportunity this weekend to talk to a woman at a restaurant, and I talked myself right out of it. Then, I felt terrible because I let my fear prevent me from doing the will of God. However, I was reminded by your devotion that even in my failures, God still gives grace. And, He can use me even though I am often filled with fear and insecurity. Also, I am undertaking the task of writing some curriculum for women on how to experience spiritual freedom using the principles God has taught me. I feel a little overwhelmed by the task because I don’t have a degree in theology, but I know He wants me to so it. So, I am encouraged in bothe of these areas to do what He says despite my own weakness.
I was handpicked as one of the leaders for a prayer group team, when I was chosen I was like God …surely there are others more qualified to do this than me. I did not feel I would be a good leader, but I said God you chose me and I was reminded that those who He calls He equips and empowers for the task ahead so he would do same for me. Whenever I am weak you will make me strong! Thank God I did because I am being strengthened in my prayers and walk with Him daily!!!
Hello I just lost my husband about a week ago and I feel like a blank piece of paper that needs some encouragement written on it.
May God bless and hold you close, E.
Hold on … seek comfort in the secret place of the Most High (Psalm 91) and remember God has a good plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). It takes time to heal — I know — I lost my son three years ago. God will not leave you; He is right by you.
God has proven His faithfulness, power, and strength in my weakness through my job by keeping me as I maneuver through a position of “authority” that I wasn’t qualified for but have been tasked to do. This entails numerous responsibities as well as supervising and leading 10 employees. It’s a challenge but through my weakness and lack He is strong! To God be the Glory!
When I am weak He is strong!
“When I am weak, He is strong.”
Jesus has a way of getting me through the day with some sanity intact, when I reach the end of my patience with my family members. He is that inner core that I depend on daily, and I clearly need HIM every hour!
I struggle with several chronic conditions, one of which being a relatively rare form of chronic headache with chronic migraine on top of it. I’ve been dealing with this for the last three and a half years, with less than a week total of days I’ve had pain-free. Before it happened, I wanted to be a nurse, because I wanted to help hurting people, and I loved the study of medicine. My headache conditions rendered me unable to even finish high school, and college became a distant, broken dream.
But God ALWAYS knows what He’s doing.
Through this fiery trial, not only have I grown closer to Him and seen many worthwhile blessings come into my life, but I’ve been able to be a part of and really connect with people in the chronic illness and pain community, and witness to them. Hurting people. People who need the hope and restoration of spirit that can only come from God.
God used my dream of helping hurting people. Not in the way I’d planned, but in a better way. Causing me to experience pain myself, and deep grief, so that I could learn of what our hope truly is, and then giving me opportunities to share it and spread His light.
I am in a position that is out of my comfort zone and comforted that God is there with me always
I followed God’s lead to a job that took my husbnd,youngest son and me 3,000 miles from home and family. Every day I am aware of my places of greatest weakness. I am so thankful for this reminder of God’s faithfulness to sustain us and to shine through the weakest areas of my life to show his strength. I surrender all of who I am to God’s glory today.
God has used my strughles with depression and chronic pain to make me more sympathetic as a person and to realize I am not alone EVER! He will always be by my side whether I am struggling or not to guide, encourage, and pick me up when I fall or stumble.
Right now I’m feeling full of holes. My depression is rampant and I’m praying for God’s strength.
I am praying that God will give you the strength to hold on. May you sense His presence in a mighty way. He love you so much and care deeply for you.
WOWWWW!!! This spoke directly to my heart! I was just offered a very demanding leadership job on Friday for which I felt nervous. It’s a great opportunity to build a new program. I’m never nervous about work. I believe I can do the job and have been performing it on a temporary basis. But I was nervous when I learned that others felt I was incapable of the huge task (something else I never usually worry about). God has revealed his power throughout this process; and I should be beaming like a sunburst with all the ways He has shone through my weaknesses in this situation. I am so grateful to Jesus for His provision and guidance and restoration. I am simply in awe of Him. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Alicia for your sharing your heart today. Truly a confirmation from God that when I am weak, He shows himself strong!
God’s strength shown through my weakness this summer when I hosted my very first SetApart Girl program at church. I am terrified of speaking in front of people, but God used me anyway to bring a message to women that I truly believe in. Even though less than a dozen when attended, I was richly blessed in the stretching of my faith and I know the women were blessed as well.
God gave me the strength just today to say the word “no” to a request if a friend. This may not seem like a big deal to most – and I did say it lovingly…but also owned my “no”. Instead of trying to please everyone else because it’s what I think I should do – God is growing my backbone in a way that needs to be strengthened. Saying no does not come easy for me – sometimes to my own detriment. Today I stepped back and asked myself – “Is this something you really want to do?” – my answer to myself was “not at all!” – so…as hard as it was I told my friend “no”…period…no long and drawn out reason of apology for why I said no – just no. She was fine with my reply and the conversation went on. Big step for me! 😇
I said yes to teaching adult Sun. School, God is using my weakness and His great strength shines through every lesson I prepare.