Above is a pic of my youngest daughter and me.
My Husband, My brother in Christ
Expose My Weaknesses, Lord.
Have you ever prayed that?
Did you mean it or regret it?
I recently did. I think I meant it. I knew God would answer it... and it wouldn't be pretty.
Why would I EVER want to pray such a thing?
Because I knew that God would be gracious enough to not give me more than I could bear, but forthright enough to give me just what I need to fulfill the task of ministry for His glory that He has set before me. I want my weaknesses exposed so that I can stand in the strength of God alone. I want them at the forefront of my mind so that I can give God the glory and not get caught up in myself... as though I have anything to offer apart from God. I don't.
I have been involved in a study at my home on Thursday nights and led by our pastor that has brought much conviction - ("Words to Winners of Souls" - by Horatius Bonar, 1809-1889). It is written to pastors, but truly speaks to all Christians. We are all called into ministry as Christians. Whether it be in our home, at our workplace, scrubbing the church toilets... for the glory of God. As my pastor wrote: "...It has been a profitable time to examine my life and be rightly pruned of the LORD for growth."
But then my pastor was reminded upon reading Spurgeon "that the believer is not to wallow in the muck and mire of his depravity. No, our Savior is too gracious, too loving and too anxious to impart to us life and joy."
"The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad."— Psalms 126:3
Spurgeon said, "Some Christians are sadly prone to look on the dark side of everything, and to dwell more upon what they have gone through than upon what God has done for them. Ask for their impression of the Christian life, and they will describe their continual conflicts, their deep afflictions, their sad adversities, and the sinfulness of their hearts, yet with scarcely any allusion to the mercy and help which God has vouchsafed them."
(Go HERE to read the rest of this Spurgeon excerpt.)
My weaknesses are many. And it amazes me that the Lord would even consider using me. But it is true that when He uses the weak, it displays His strength, His grace, His faithfulness, His glory. We are more useful in our state of utter dependence and brokeness... for it is only there where we find what is truly pleasing to the Lord.
"For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of the Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousnes and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the Light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, "Awake sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." THerefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."-Ephesians 5:8-17
Comments
Very good article. In this season of your life, He is certainly answering your prayers and I have no doubt that His purpose will surely glorify Him. I appreciate your comments and articles that point to God. I do think blogging is an area where we all have to be careful that our words are glorifying to God. I was reading a blog the past few days that had an article that started out as a thoughtful balanced piece, and degenerated into some snideness and ugliness in comments (including the author), and that seems to be the rub on many blogs. I can tell you make an effort not to fall into that.
Posted by: candyinsierras | June 10, 2006 10:54 AM
Thank you Candy. That means alot coming for you. THough I make that effort, I admit I have fallen into that trap. It is easy to do when we fail to keep our eyes on Christ. WE are all so prone to wander. But let it be that the Lord rightly convicts us and causes us to seek forgiveness in the times we fail. In the times of our failure, we display our weakness... a weakness that can turn others to Christ if handled with genuine apology both to those we have offended and to the One that is ultimately forsaken when we fail. THe Lord is far more forgiving of His children then we are prone to sin. Think about that. Amazing isn't it?
Posted by: 4ever4given | June 10, 2006 03:20 PM
I once heard a story about a father who had wrongfully punished his son for something. After realizing this, he apologized to his son and asked for forgiveness. His son readily forgave him. The father made the point that had he not gone to his son in a humble attitude of repentence, his son probably would have remembered being unjustly punished and may even have held a grudge against his dad(and requiring therapy later, haha) Interesting eh?
Posted by: candyinsierras | June 10, 2006 05:42 PM
This has happened in our home as well, Candy. Kids are so quick to forgive when we acknowledge that we have been wrong in our approach to something. I often pray that my children will forget my many failures. The key is coming before them in humilty and sincerity when we fail. Kids need to know that we are not perfect. It is an opportunity to display Christ as the only perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Posted by: 4ever4given | June 10, 2006 08:01 PM