A Real Pilgrim's Progress: A Purpose Driven Life

A Purpose Driven Life Chapter 35 - God Uses Our Weaknesses

Chapter Overview: God's power in your weakness. God works best when I admit my weakness. 'My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness' 2 Cor 12:9

2011 (40 years old)

Probably the example that sticks in mind the most from this chapter is Jacob. He was dependent most of his life on his own devices, but then when he wrestled with God and asked God to bless him, God dislocated his hip, forcing Jacob to be dependent on God for the rest of his life. Rick listed a bunch of others with weaknesses - Paul and his thorn, Moses and his temper, Peter and his mouth, Jonah...

Today through Wednesday the church is having a prayer and fasting time. Frankly it's a little scary to me what God would/could do through this time. I really struggle with trust. I guess there's a good weakness for my list. Actually, there's nothing like some fasting to expose some of your weaknesses. Fear and lack of trust for both God and my wife are right up there, too.

Christians, like snowflakes are frail. But when they stick together, they can stop traffic

2016 (45 years old)

Am I limiting God's power in my life by trying to hide my weaknesses? What do I need to be honest about in order to help others? I'm socially awkward. I don't think fast on my feet. I was actually thinking a bit about the subject of this chapter this week with school band starting back up. I liked 2 things Rick said in this chapter... While strength breeds an independent spirit, our limitations show how much we need one another.

'Christians, like snowflakes, are frail. But when they stick together they can stop traffic'.

Our strengths create competition, but our weaknesses create community. You must decide whether you want to 'impress' people, or 'influence' people. Impressing people is done from a distance, but you must get close to influence them.

For background on what these 'Purpose Driven Life' posts are about, click this link.

Purpose Driven Life Chapter 1 - Its Not About Me

Purpose Driven Life Chapter 2 - You Are Not an Accident

Purpose Driven Life Chapter 3 - What Drives You?

Purpose Driven Life Chapter 4 - Eternity In Our Hearts

Purpose Driven Life Chapter 5 - What is Life?

Purpose Driven Life Chapter 6 - Life on Earth is a Temporary Assignment

Purpose Driven Life Chapter 7 - The Reason for Everything

Purpose Driven Life Chapter 8 - You Were Planned for God's Pleasure

Purpose Driven Life Chapter 9 - What Makes God Smile?

Purpose Driven Life Chapter 10 - The Surrendered Life

Purpose Driven Life Chapter 11 - Friend of God

Purpose Driven Life Chapter 12 - Friend of God II