Weakness's Better Purpose

"Weakness with watchfulness will stand, when strength with too much confidence fails.  Weakness, with acknowledgment of it, is the fittest seat and subject for God to perfect his strength in; for consciousness of our infirmities drives us out of ourselves to him in whom our strength lies." Richard Sibbes, from The Bruised Reed.

Weakness is often despised, because its purpose is not known.  Often, it appears that weakness serves only to invite oppression or to force someone to bear our burdens for us.  Yet weakness serves a greater purpose for the believer.  Weakness forces the follower of Christ to acknowledge his dependence upon the Lord.  For if Christ could do nothing without the Father, it is foolish to think that we can do somethings on our own.

Pride is a vicious predator.  It lurks in the deep, dark places of the soul.  Often, it masks its scent with the air of false humility.  For example, a man is in desperate need of help, but he doesn't want to call his neighbor for help, because his neighbor might not think he knows what he is doing.  Although, it is his fear of what his neighbor thinks that keeps him from dialing the phone, he comforts himself with a "I wouldn't want to bother anyone."

What if the person in need called up his neighbor, and asked for help.  What if during their time of working together they discovered they had more in common than they previously realized?  What if a lasting friendship sprang out of the moment of weakness and need?  What if that friendship made them both stronger people?  Then they would discover that weakness is often a springboard to greater things.

When we know we have a weakness, we need to be watchful, especially when it is a moral or spiritual weakness.  The building up of one's character is a long, slow process.  Tearing down the same character take much less time and effort.  Just as a man who lacks knowledge of electrical wiring seeks the assistance of a trained electrician, so to must believers seek assistance from the Righteous One.

The Lord is both willing and able to provide what we lack.  Our weakness becomes a beacon directing us to God.  How do you perceive weakness?  Are you afraid people will find out you're weaknesses?  Are you running to Jesus for strength?