I’m not going to lie to you, I have been procrastinating this thing for a while, and for several reasons. Don’t get me wrong, I am beyond excited about going on the World Race, and I don’t have any doubts about going, but I promised to be real and vulnerable with you, so I plan on honoring that, even if that means laying down my pride and dignity.
The first reason I avoided this blog was because I didn’t see myself as a blogger or a writer. Sure, I can put some words together, but they don’t seem to have the “sparkle” or excitement I see in others’ writing. This leads me to the second reason I avoided writing this blog…comparison. Thoughts like, “other bloggers seem to be so confident and perfect all the time” or “maybe I’m not as strong as a Christian as they are” would flow through my mind often. And the last reason I’ve been reluctant to start typing is because I think I was waiting for some grand revelation sent by God, and I just hadn’t had that yet.
Well, obviously we are past these ideas that were trying to keep me from what I know and what God has said. The truth is this- God is able and it’s not about me.
In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul is crying out to the Lord and “Each time He said,’My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.'” Then Paul goes on to say, “So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That is why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
This is gold, friends. And this wasn’t some huge revelation for me, but a gentle reminder from my Father of what He has already taught me, and what He wants all of us to know. Our weaknesses are actually His strengths because He can work with those weaknesses and show what He can do with them, with His power. It’s not about me being a great writer (or not being a great writer). It’s about Him being able to use me, and to use you. I’ve got to get over myself, or get over my fears of not being as good as someone else, or not having the “best” message to share. It was never a competition, so why was I making it one? Oh, the freedom that is found when you realize that you were never meant to compare yourself to others! I’d always be unhappy. I know I’m an imperfect person, with many flaws and blind spots….but GOD is not, and when I know He will take my weakness, my mess, my flaws, my shortcomings, and use those, it’s pretty exciting and not so scary. 🙂
My hope is that this is one of the many truths I can share with others around the world on the race, but also that I can share with you and the people already in my life. Stop comparing! Stop doubting what you can do, and trust He will work through your weakness, just like He has with so many people in the Bible (Moses who stuttered, Paul who wasn’t a great speaker, David who was a little smaller than Goliath if I remember that story correctly, Jacob who stole his brother’s birthright…the list goes on). And finally, if you are a believer, stop waiting for some great word to be dropped on your head before you share His goodness and love with others! It’s the little things, the simple truths, the sweet promises of His Word that bring life, freedom and joy to ourselves and to others. Remember, you are more precious than rubies to the King of Kings and you are an ambassador of Christ! Live in the knowledge of that, and walk in confidence that He loves you (ALL OF YOU) and will never let you down.
