The gift of weakness

What if my problems and weakenesses were a gift? This idea almost seems absurd in a culture and society so steeped in success and 'fake it till you make it'. It certainly goes against my human pride to rejoice in my weakness and struggles. James 1:2 says "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds". But let's be honest when I have a trial or problem I'm more likely to throw a pity party than get out the balloons.

What is my problems were a gateway or door way of sorts? You see when life is going (reasonably) smoothly it is easy to become prideful and forget that God has bought me to that good place. But when a trial arises and I recognize I am weak, it gives God a chance to work. Lets look at the Exodus  of the children of Israel (see Exodus 14). They found themselves in a real dilemma- chasing them was the Egyptian army and in-front of them was the red sea. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place. Yet had they walked the 'easy' way they would have never seen the miraculous hand of God split the red sea.

So yes we all agree problems stink, weaknesses aren't fun, but what if we allow God to use them to show up in His powerful way? If we let Him truly be God and allow Him to show up strong in the less desirable parts of our lives? As 2 Cor 12 says "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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Prayer: "Jesus forgive us where we want to be strong without you. Help us to see our problems as opportunities to see you at work. Strengthen our faith as we humbly admit we need you in our weaknesses. An please use our problems as a means to display your glory. Amen."