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Day 23

I think it’s human nature to quickly notice our weaknesses and failures. There is a place for that, of course, because we should always try to improve. But all too often, those weaknesses can become labels and limits that keep us from stepping into God’s Calling. When we forget to focus on God’s Strength, our weaknesses gain too much power over us. That is why the simple prayer “Jesus, I need You” is so necessary. It’s a reminder that our limitations don’t get the last word. God does.

The apostle Paul understood this. He was struggling with something that was affecting him greatly, and he wrote this:

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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. 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. (2 Corinthians 12:8–10).

Notice how differently God views weaknesses and limitations than you might. They are opportunities for His Strength to shine, for His Power to come through, and for His Glory to be seen. That isn’t true just for Paul but for you and me as well. Your weaknesses don’t get the final say in what God can or cannot do through you.

How big are your failures and limitations in your mind? Are they causing you so much shame or fear that you think it’s impossible to continue? Are you so fixated on your weaknesses that you can’t see the Strength of God that surrounds you and empowers you? I’ve been there more times than I can remember!

Every day, God positions you in specific and significant situations to carry out His Perfect Will. Your mornings with the Lord serve as a preparation time where you can receive His Love, Courage, and Boldness. The rest of the day becomes an opportunity to bring forth His Kingdom on the Earth as you step into the assignments He has for you. You are His Hands and Feet, and the tasks He entrusts to you will often require courage and boldness because they are beyond your natural abilities.

Remember that it is God who calls you to these tasks, and He helps you carry them out. As you trust in God and let Him meet your needs, your limitations become opportunities for His Strength to shine.

Questions for Reflection

1. Can you think of a situation where it felt like God was using your challenging circumstances to fulfill positive purposes? What was your response?
2. In what ways does the knowledge that God gives you courage and boldness inspire you to step into His Purposes, even when it’s challenging?
3. Can you remember a time when your own weaknesses allowed God’s Strengths to shine through? How did this change your perspective?