Thursday, September 1, 2011

Strength & Weakness

Ever notice how your strengths can also be your weakness and vice versa?

For example, the patience we have developed can also be the reason for staying in a stagnant situation.   We can become so complacent where we are, believing this is where God wants us, that we tune out his sweet whispers and fail to do our part in the situation.  We become indecisive.  On the other hand, being patient can allow God to work in our lives.  Being impatient and running out ahead of God and doing it our way can cause us to miss out on a rich blessing God has for us.

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.
 Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
  Psalm 37:7

Ever been angry about something or someone?  That anger can be our weakness if we allow it to control us emotionally & lash out.  On the other hand, anger handled properly can allow us to confront a person or situation in a Christ like manner, causing a needed change.

Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.
Psalm 37:8
Knowledge can be a great strength and turns into wisdom when we use it to grow and change.  However, knowledge gained and not applied is simply that – knowledge, and of no use to anyone.
For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.  Ecclesiastes 7:12


Taking pride in doing a good job is very commendable and will cause us to give our best to everything we do.  Letting praises from people go to our head and cause us to be puffed up and of no use to God.  It takes our focus off God and onto ourselves.
Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.  2 Corinthians 10:12

What about perseverance and focus?  These are two admirable traits when tempered with moderance and used to accomplish great things.  But what about the workaholic whose sole purpose is his/her work?  Everything else falls second to work and their family suffers their absence.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1
On the other hand, God may use our impatience to prod us to take a leap of faith.  We should not be so cautiaus that we are fearful to step out in what God has told us to do.
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10
The greater the strength, the greater the potential weakness and liability.  If we allow God to use our weakness, We will be strengthened and used for his glory and to show his strength. 

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.  Isaiah 40:29

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect in weakness."   2 Corinthians 12:9

                         Take a look at the chart below and ask God where you are allowing your strength to be your weakness and vice versa.
STRENGTH
WEAKNESS
Patient
Indecisive
Focused
Stubborn
Quick Thinker
Impulsive
Confident
Arrogant
Visionary
Dreamer
Task-Oriented
Insensitive
People-Oriented
Not Focused On Task
Serious
Too Reverent
Humorous
Irreverent
Enthusiastic
Excitable
Dignified
Unapproachable
Efficient
Not Thorough
Analytical
Picky
Cautious
Fearful
Orderly
Controlling
Practical
Simplistic
Persuasive
Manipulative
Diplomatic
Wishy-Washy
Calm
Apathetic
Independent
Unfriendly
Talkative
Poor Listener
Organized
Inflexible
Spontaneous
Undisciplined
Meticulate
Perfectionistic
Passionate
Too Emotional




 



 


3 comments: