Today I was reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren and I came upon this section:-
Why does God use our weaknesses? Because when He does, he gets all the glory. If somebody does something great using their own obvious strengths, people see it and say, "Well he's just good at that. Of course it will be a success!" But if somebody does something wonderful in an area that is obviously not their strength, people say,"Wow! Maybe there's hope for me! If God can do that for them, He can surely do that for me!"
Why would God give us talents and giftings, if He is wanting to use our weaknesses and our inabilities to glorify Him?
I welcome insight......................
love Fifi
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6 comments:
That is really something to reflect upon.
Hey there...well I believe God wants us to use our talents to bless the body of Christ and to be able to show love to both believers and unbelievers whether it's baking someone the best pie ever, or editing a word document for the pastor or something like decorating the church if that is what you are good at. But, God will use our weaknesses to show others that He is in charge, He is sovereign and so people will know that IT HAS TO BE GOD that did it because I am so uncapable of doing that thing. Was David gifted at the slingshot? No, but God was glorified in that very weakness.
My 3 cents (inflation!)
love ya,
Katrina
I have to think about that... That's what I love about your blog.
I agree with Katrina. Made me think!
Throughout the Bible it is clear that God has given gifts and talents to each individual and expects us to use them. I believe though that when He uses us in an unexpected way that He shows up a little more obviously, we tend to notice it a little more. While you are busy being excellent at the things that He has already planted in you, listen for the voice that calls you out of your comfort zone and into a new adventure. That new thing, the unexplored territory may be a place where He is waiting to show you a little more of Himself but you may have to risk something of yourself. When we felt God calling us to move to the farm and take up farming and pastoral ministry my family was shocked that I was willing and happy to go. They knew it must be God's hand in our lives because I have never aspired to being a farmer's wife (a pastor's wife yes, farming - no way). But here we are and loving it - a testimony to God's strength in my weakness every day!
Bless people with the strengths that God has given you and He will show up in your weaknesses to bless you.
wow, that was long wasn't it!
ps. I disagree with Ryan, I think David was already a good shot with his sling, however, the obvious size difference and sheer ridiculousness of the situation showed the power and strength of God in David's weakness and inability in his own person to take down a giant with a rock.
Hi again, yes, Hebrews were quite skilled in the sling, it was a common "tool/weapon." I apologize for typing quickly and not making a more clear point on that. I believe God was glorified in the appearance of David's weakness. However skilled he was in the slingshot, no one believed in Him to go up against anyone, let alone a giant. He had made the convincing argument about how God allowed him to kill animals. So, his repuration was weak due to his size. And, in David's victory God was glorified...
As I think about weakness, I am reminded of 2Co 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
Many of our weaknesses aren't necessarily what we aren't good at--inabilities. But, weak areas of sin. And, it is when we allow God to change and fix us, well isn't that giving Him all the glory? I had a major addiction, smoking. I struggled to no end gobbling up cigarettes for my flesh. It was an infulgence of my flesh and such an intense weakness. It was only through the Truth of scripture (2Tim 3:16) that I became free from that bondage. When I truly realized that smoking was an indulgence of the flesh, I was totally conflicted and compelled to stop committing that sin.
I'm sure some of you have stories where scripture convicted you in a sin area, an area where you were weak (pride, jealousy, laziness, etc.)--and you made a decision to overcome that sin--that is so glorifying to God. Others see it and it's in your weakness that God used you, changed you.
I could write more but I feel like I've taken up much too much already!
xoxo Katrina
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