VULNERABILITY
Each time He said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
1 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT)
There is something unique about weakness for Christians. This concept is one that I, and many other men, struggle with. Everyone around us, and probably ourselves too, grew up with a desire to be strong. But Paul is telling us that the power of Christ is not only connected to our weakness but actually works best in our weakness! While I admire Paul's discovery, I'm unsure if I'll ever get to the place of truly boasting about my weaknesses.
In our relationships, especially in our marriages, the idea of vulnerability is a powerful way to see Paul's teaching in action. Have you ever shared a failure or weakness with your spouse and been met with divine love and grace? There's nothing more powerful than being loved just as a human being despite our failures.
A commitment to vulnerability can be scary and intimidating, but we are promised that God's power works best in this way!
APPLICATION: Be brave and share an area where you are experiencing challenges in your life. Be vulnerable with your spouse. Really listen to each other and find ways to show love in the midst of this vulnerability.
PRAYER: God, thank You for working in our lives not only in spite of our weaknesses, but best in our weaknesses. Help us to keep from avoiding being honest about who we are as humans and to recognize Your great love for us! Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?