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Welcome Our Weaknesses

…So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s 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.
—2 Corinthians 12:7b-10

Pretending:

• Poisons our relationship with God

• Promotes isolation over fellowship

• Prevents us from spiritual maturity

• Provokes our culture against Christ

How to Welcome Our Weakness

• Refuse to pretend

• Recognize and reveal your weaknesses (to yourself and with others)

• Remember: Your weakness + God’s power = strength