In God's strength

I am learning to see my areas of weakness in a different light. I think I understand better what Paul said about how God's power is made perfect in our weakness. I have time and again said how difficult it is for me to learn dependence on the Lord, especially in areas where that I have a 'natural' talent. In my efficiency, for example, I forget that it is the Lord who guides me, even and especially when I am not able to do what I set out to. So, lately I try to focus on my areas of weakness and see how the Lord may indeed be giving me the strength I need.

I have begun to notice that he is helping me to be more spontaneous in relating to people - I am by nature a reserved person. And even though I do not intend to appear aloof, I may give that impression to those I do not know well. Lately, though, I have been able to be more spontaneous in connecting with people I do not know well. It is not easy, for the natural tendency is to think of all the implications before approaching a person! And yet, when I look back at those times when I am spontaneous, it must have been the Lord, rather than my own self. He is teaching me to connect in a way that may build bridges to proclaiming the good news. I guess it is hard for me to learn dependence on God for those things I do well on my own. In such areas, there is the temptation to be self -sufficient and even end up prideful. The Lord has to show me how he works in the other areas, where I know it cannot be my own 'ability'. This is a slow growth process, and it is not in the areas I am good at. It is in the very areas where he knows I am weak....that his strength is made perfect. Even my weaknesses can be special places for meeting God.