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Trap No. 4 - Struggling to Overcome Weakness

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.
2 Corinthians 12:9

We're surrounded by self-help gurus assuring us we can overcome all our weaknesses, so it must be true, right? Well, quite honestly, we haven't seen much of it! What we have seen are people, who, with God's help, have changed their lives by building on their strengths. Trying to "cure" weaknesses just wastes valuable time and energy that could be redirected toward healthier pursuits. For example, whenever an addict stays clean, does that mean he's no longer vulnerable in that area? No, he's just filled the vacuum with something better. The fact that he's clean proves that God can prevent "temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). But how about all those socially acceptable (and encouraged) weaknesses that masquerade as strengths: like perfectionism, materialism, judgmentalism, and status-seeking? Many people who'd be ashamed to admit they're alcoholic, are proud to be a workaholic! Driven by fear and obsessed with time, they're totally focused on doing instead of being. That is until their obsession with not having enough or being enough, lands them in cardiac rehab, bargaining with God for another chance! Constantly dwelling on your weaknesses just reinforces them, but building on your strengths brings results. And the good news is, you don't have to do it alone. God said, "My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness..."

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank you for helping me overcome those things in my life that are weak – but helping me build on those things that are productive to you! In Jesus' Name, Amen