Vulnerable
Vulnerable! The word alone can stir a variety of emotions. One can feel fear, anxiety, and insecurity. The greatest can be a sense of exposure – letting the world see weaknesses that you may have. I happen to love the word. I associate vulnerable to humility – understanding that I have weaknesses and difficulties and I am not perfect. Being vulnerable takes humility to the next level; it is where the risk of opening up about your gaps, the insults you may have endured, or the difficulties you have experienced is met with the anticipation of working to close the gaps to bring connection or healing.
This is beautifully illustrated in our verse for today. Paul speaks to the community of Corinth and shares his experiences with them. When I sit quietly and reflect on this verse, I believe Paul is speaking to me as well. It is hard to imagine a person delighted with the areas Paul addresses in this verse. Yet, the glory and strength come from God in those moments Paul shares. How so?
Weaknesses & Difficulties – We are not perfect creatures, only Jesus can claim that! When I explore myself, there are numerous areas where I am weak. We may want to try and build on those weaknesses with people here on earth, but when we rely on God to close those gaps, we create a relationship with Him that builds trust in Him.
Insults – Have you ever endured insults being hurled at you? I have, and it is a horrible feeling that someone would actively work hard to make you feel miserable. God reminds us that in His eyes, the only eyes that matter, we can gain inner strength to withstand insults that are projected to us.
Hardships & Persecutions - Throughout this world, people are graced with hardships and are persecuted every day for their belief in our Lord. Graced hardships in our lives? Yes, my friends. These situations that we endure help us to go to God, knowing we will be safe in His arms and grow in our faith.
When we expose our own vulnerability to the weaknesses that we have, it is then that we can go to our Lord for the strength that only He can provide. It is when I am weak that my faith becomes strong, my reliance on Jesus becomes strong, and my growth in God can be strengthened. Let us explore those areas of weakness and go to God, in Simple Faith, and ask for His help!
Click here for the video companion: Vulnerability
Dearest Father, thank you for being my strength when I am weak, when I ensure hardship or difficulties. May I grow closer to you during these experiences. Amen.