Fear of Our Own Weakness

Yesterday I addressed the idea of seizing opportunities that are in front of us, and how we often let two fears keep us from taking hold of those set of circumstances that enable us to do something amazing.  The first fear that leads to us missing opportunities is the fear of our own weakness.

Numbers 13:31 “They are stronger than us…”

The spies that were unwilling to enter the land promised to them by father God, were actually right on.  Those people living in the new land were indeed stronger than them.  We know that in reality, they were bigger, taller, and better equipped to fight a battle.  The Israelites were recently released slaves, not a fighting band of warriors.  Here’s where they were wrong: Their weakness was NOT their liability.  It was their unique advantage!

II Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.”

Our weakness gives God the opportunity to do what he does best. In fact later in Deuteronomy 8:17-18, Moses warns the children of the missed opportunity generation of what can happen when they forget their place in the story.

Deuteronomy 8:17-18 “17 You might say to yourself, “I am rich because of my own power and strength,”18 but remember the Lord your God! It is he who gives you the power to become rich, keeping the agreement he promised to your ancestors, as it is today.”

So what is the correct response when faced with your own overwhelming weakness?  Remember that your weakness is your advantage.  Begin to see your disqualifications and inadequacies as the gift that God will use to make His story complete.  I’ve been working through a book on purpose with some friends of mine, and stumbled upon this quote.  It’s taken from a small book that is distrubuted by the CBMC.  It perfectly sums up the idea of your weakness not being worthy of being the fear that keeps you from God’s next opportunity, and instead is worthy of being the advantage.

“If, through the living out of your purpose, you sense less dependence on God, you can be confident you are out of the will of God!  For though a life of purpose makes you more aware of your gifts and calling, it at the same time highlights your inadequacies and amplifies your great need for God and His grace.  The path towards God is dependence; the path away from God is independence.”