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What does it mean to be weak? - 11/30/2008 2:30:03 AM
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StrongWisdom
Posts: 32
Joined: 11/30/2008
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I was studying this passage in 2 Cor 12:9 about the apostle Paul.
7.To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
8.Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
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.
10.That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses,in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
I have often thought of weakness as yielding to sin or sometimes doubt. And at these low times, God's power is working ever so strongly in our lives.
My question, though, is that for Christians who have powerful ministries, do they have serious weaknesses? Are these weaknesses evident to those around them? (I'm especially talking about those who have regional and international ministries) Are these weaknesses sin? The scripture doesn't say "sin" in this passage, but uses the term "weakness." What does it mean to be weak?
Last week, a lady who I do not know, came to me and prophesied that I had a powerful ministry that God was going to bless. But, I am now a little anxious because if God is going to work a powerful ministry in me, does this mean I am going to become so weak? And, if that's so...I don't even know what that will mean...
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RE: What does it mean to be weak? - 11/30/2008 6:38:30 AM
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OleFitzHi
Posts: 115
Joined: 6/26/2006
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Before God mightily uses a person, He often breaks them first. Think of Saul/Paul. Think of Peter.
quote:
ORIGINAL: StrongWisdom
I was studying this passage in 2 Cor 12:9 about the apostle Paul.
7.To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
8.Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
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.
10.That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses,in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
I have often thought of weakness as yielding to sin or sometimes doubt. And at these low times, God's power is working ever so strongly in our lives.
My question, though, is that for Christians who have powerful ministries, do they have serious weaknesses? Are these weaknesses evident to those around them? (I'm especially talking about those who have regional and international ministries) Are these weaknesses sin? The scripture doesn't say "sin" in this passage, but uses the term "weakness." What does it mean to be weak?
Last week, a lady who I do not know, came to me and prophesied that I had a powerful ministry that God was going to bless. But, I am now a little anxious because if God is going to work a powerful ministry in me, does this mean I am going to become so weak? And, if that's so...I don't even know what that will mean...
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RE: What does it mean to be weak? - 11/30/2008 12:46:04 PM
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creationtalk
Posts: 704
Joined: 6/9/2005
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quote:
he scripture doesn't say "sin" in this passage, but uses the term "weakness." What does it mean to be weak?
I think that for God to truly work, we have to be willing to turn lose. As long as we have the idea that we are strong enough to handle whatever, God can't work on it. It is when we say God, I can't do this, I need your help, I'm willing to do it your way....and recognize his help when it comes, God can then work his perfect will in our lives. It's when we are looking to God for our solution not to our own abilities, money, strength, or what ever (or to some other person).
Think about the kid in church who was so shy that he stuttered if he tried to talk to anyone...who is now the pastor of a megachurch, speaking to thousands every Sunday. That is an example of someone who is weak, being made strong in Christ.
I have to remind myself daily to give my troubles and struggles to God. I have a lot of God given abilities and a strong will. I have a "superwoman" complex, believing that if I try hard enough I can make everything work out. I've has plenty of evidence that isn't the case, but I'm still hard-headed so I have to make a daily conscious decision to hand my life over to God and not try to fix it on my own. I have to choose to be "weak" and give my struggles to God, because when I do, God can work through me to bring about solutions or at least peace. When I am trying to "fix" everything, I don't sleep well, I get ulcers and migraine, I get tense and on edge. When I let go and give my struggles to God, things may not turn out the way I thought I wanted, but I have more peace.
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RE: What does it mean to be weak? - 11/30/2008 9:52:19 PM
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StrongWisdom
Posts: 32
Joined: 11/30/2008
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quote:
As long as we have the idea that we are strong enough to handle whatever, God can't work on it. It is when we say God, I can't do this, I need your help, I'm willing to do it your way....and recognize his help when it comes, God can then work his perfect will in our lives.
This is a new perspective. To be weak is to not try to do everything. And, I guess that would eliminate the pride or conceit paul was referring to...because when you get to the top places in life, you know it was not on your own.
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RE: What does it mean to be weak? - 12/1/2008 2:15:12 PM
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CherishedbyGod
Posts: 2279
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Our Savior is the perfect example, as in all things...
Before there is the crown, there is the cross....
To be used powerfully, one must be able to identify with others in their sufferings. For it is only when we can truly do this, are we able to lift them up, by the power of the Holy Spirit...
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin Hebrews 4: 15
G4834
συμπαθέω
sumpatheō
soom-path-eh'-o
From G4835; to feel “sympathy” with, that is, (by implication) to commiserate: - have compassion, be touched with a feeling of.
astheneia
as-then'-i-ah
From G772; feebleness (of body or mind); by implication malady; moral frailty: - disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness.
Dear soul, I can truly testify, that no matter what He calls you to, He will be more than enough to carry you through...
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
_____________________________
~I would love for you to come and learn about Jesus of Nazareth with me in the Writer's Roundtable Folder~
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