Is God just for the weak?
You’ve written and re-written your resume. You’ve carefully selected your best suit or outfit. You smile and offer a good, firm handshake. You know that to be successful, you must have them believe that nobody can do this job better than you can. You are strong and confident.
You talk of all your accomplishments and many talents, but then comes that one question you really didn’t want to hear: “So, what are your weaknesses?” The wrong answer to this single question can end your chances more quickly and completely than anything else you’ll say. Why? Because it’s the one question that tests not only how honest you are, but also what you know about yourself. There’s no response that could show more dishonesty and less self-knowledge than to say “I have no weaknesses.” Employers know that if you can’t see your own weaknesses, you’ll be blind to the parts of your responsibilities where you need to seek help, and that you’ll make the same mistakes again and again. Good jobs aren’t for the weak, but they do come to those who have the honesty and wisdom to see their own weaknesses, and the humility and integrity to admit to them, and to seek to grow and improve.
It’s typical for those who don’t believe in God to think that faith in God is for the weak. They believe that it’s a sign of strength to approach life with nothing but confidence in our own talents, accomplishments and potential. But God is waiting there for all of us, waiting for you to get down on your knees for that one-on-one interview called prayer. He wants to hear about your life and all that you’re doing, but He’s also wants to ask you, “So, what are your weaknesses?” There’s no response that could show more dishonesty and less self-knowledge than to say in response to God, “I have no weaknesses. I don’t need you.” If you can’t see your weaknesses, you’ll be blind to the parts of your life where you most need His help, the places where He most wants you to grow and to help you to live a fuller life. Without His higher wisdom, you’ll make the same mistakes again and again. You’ll take pride in who you are rather than finding humility in the realization that you were given all the capacities you have at birth through no doing of your own. You’ll think you’re in control when the truth is that tomorrow your life could be forever changed, even ended. You’ll see yourself as better than those who have turned in faith to God, when the truth is that they’ve come to know something that you haven’t even begun to experience. You’ll mistake blind pride as strength.
God isn’t for the weak, for it takes a deep, inner strength to see and to admit your weaknesses. God isn’t for the weak, but He’s there for those who have the honesty and wisdom to see their own weakness, and the humility to seek strength from Him, and to grow through Him.
So … what are your weaknesses?
“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
Words of Jesus Christ in Revelation 3:17,20
“God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”
Words of Jesus Christ in Luke 12:20-21
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23
“If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”
Words of Jesus Christ in John 9:41
“Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?”
Luke 6:39
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Proverbs 11:2
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Words of Jesus Christ in Luke 14:11
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:3,5,8