Antelope Valley 40 Days of Purpose

Finding Purpose and Strength

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40 Days Of Purpose

By: Dr. Rick Warren

40 Days Of Purpose

The Purpose Driven Life

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Purpose Driven Life

I have discovered my purpose...

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On April 6th 2008, The Highlands Christian Fellowship in Palmdale, California, began a journey called "The 40 Days of Purpose" as outlined by Dr. Rick Warren in "The Purpose Driven Life." There is one chapter that is being read each day for the next 40 Days by hundreds of people who meet then meet weekly in small groups hosted in over 80 homes. Discovering our purpose gives us some pretty incredible benefits! Read on....

Day 35 – God’s Power In Your Weakness

May 10th, 2008 by David | 1


Weakness Is a Blessing. Christian recording artist Jason Gray.

God loves to use weak people…

We all have weaknesses. We may try to not think about them, deny them, get defensive about them, but we have them. The can be emotional flaws, intellectual imperfections, or circumstances that are beyond our control that weaken us like financial or relational limitations. It’s what we do, when we are faced with our weaknesses that makes the difference.God has a different perspective on our weaknesses. “My thoughts are not your thoughts, and my ways are higher than your ways.” Isaiah 55:9 We think that God wants to use our strengths when he really is glorified in our weaknesses instead. We want to “put our best foot forward,” and be known for out strengths. But God thinks differently… “God purposely chose the weak things of the world to confound the mighty.” 1 Cor 1:27 Your weaknesses are not an accident. They are the very things in your life that God wants to use to demonstrate His power!

If God used only perfect people, then nothing would get done because none of us is flawless. The Bible is full of example of people that were mightily used by God, but had major imperfections and did extraordinary things in spite of their flaws and weaknesses.

It might be good to define a weakness. It is not something that we can change or a sin such as overeating or impatience. It is something that you inherited that you have no power to change. It can be a physical limitation such as a handicap or illness. It may be an emotional limitation such as a trauma or personality quirk. It can even be an intellectual challenge, because we are not all born super bright or talented.

The good news is that God is never limited by our limitations! When we feel like our weaknesses are the very things that would disqualify us from serving God, we find that they are the very things, when properly related to, that qualify us for serving God. It is from our weaknesses that we are made strong.

The first step we need to make however, is to admit our weaknesses. We need to own up to them, stop pretending that they don’t exist and we have it all together. Be honest. Learn to identify them.

The second thing we need to do is to be content with your weaknesses. Paul was someone in the Bible that asked God several times to remove a “thorn” or weakness that he had, but God never took it away. Instead of feeling dejected and depressed about it, Paul says, ” I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know that is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses.” 2 Cor. 12:9 Contentment is an expression of faith in the goodness of God. Basically it says to God, “God you know what is best for me and I know you love me.”

Our weakness is a reminder that we need to depend on God for his strength. Our weakness is a reminder to not become arrogant. It can be something that keeps our ego’s in check and keep us from running ahead of God. Our weakness can actually open doorways of new fellowship with others. Have you ever met one of those super “have it together” people? They almost put off an air of “I don’t need you.” On the other hand, genuine people who admit their weaknesses can be the best friends and put you at ease because they are “human” They understand. They care.

It’s those areas of weakness that you are the most ashamed of that God wants to use to bless others with. Hard to believe but true. It is important to honestly share your weakness. True ministry begins with vulnerability. The more you take down your mask, let down your guard and share your struggles, the more God will use you in service. The more honest you are, the more grace you get and you will receive grace from others. Vulnerability is an endearing quality. We are naturally attracted to humble people and it is the pathway to intimacy with others. Something we desperately need…

How about this one? This is fun. You need to glory in your weaknesses! Get excited and boast about our weakness? That feels crazy doesn’t it? Instead of being a poser.. and pretending that you are so strong and mighty, see yourself as a trophy of Gods grace. When Satan comes to you and points out just how weak and frail you are … agree with him and pour out your praise for Jesus who “understand our weaknesses” and for the Holy Spirit that “helps us in our weaknesses.”

Our weaknesses are the very things that God has allowed in our lives so that his strength is perfected in us. Out of our weaknesses come Gods strength. Don’t limit God’s power by trying to hide them, deny them or get defensive about them. They are there for a reason. Your limitations are not Gods limitations. Even the greatest handicap that we may have is no match for the boundless grace that comes as we offer it up to God and “Glory in our weakness.” God uses weak people. Praise God!

One Comment on “Day 35 – God’s Power In Your Weakness”


  1. Jeanette Tostenson said:

    I know personally in my times of weakness is when God has proved to be my source for everything! After going through the fires of life, God teaches us how to live a life in the Spirit, in which you have to rely on Him in a greater way. It’s a life where His purposes become our purposes without question. If we don’t get to the place where we’re fully relying on God, pride seems to take over and we want to take the credit that is not ours…

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