And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Cor.12:9 KJV)
As a zealous immature Christian and owing to the orientation I had growing up as a believer, I thought it was weakness to acknowledge my areas of weaknesses. I tried showing strength even to the point of vows which only can at best be described as willpower. Still, I found myself like Peter, who swore never to deny Christ, falling at my very veiled vulnerabilities.
Hitherto, we’ve mistakenly believed that our vulnerabilities make us susceptible. The truth is that your vulnerability can only make you susceptible when you deny it or you’re unaware of it. Your place of vulnerability is the place of ability when grace is appreciated and appropriated.
What you venerate you respect, appreciate and acknowledge. And what you venerate will generate grace to help especially in the time of need. Apostle Paul gloried in his infirmities, no wonder he was full of grace.
I know you want to turn your vulnerabilities or weakness to great strength! Here are a few tips that would help you a great deal.
1. Understand that willpower is a finite resource.
According to psychological research, your willpower is like a muscle. It’s a finite resource that depletes with use. As a result, by the end of your strenuous days, your willpower muscles are exhausted, and you’re left to your naked and defenseless self. Also, to depend on your willpower only shows lack of emotional intelligence. According to Helia, “Willpower is for people who are still uncertain about what they want to do.” (Phil.3:13)
2. Acknowledge your vulnerability by your authenticity.
Brene Brown defined authenticity very profoundly as the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are. Be authentic and acknowledge your weakness. Your prosperity is largely tied to the recognition and acknowledgement of your areas of vulnerability. (Ps.51:3; Prov.28:13)
3. Never allow public opinion to make you feel guilty.
Some people tend to hide their weaknesses or areas of vulnerability because they feel the public may stigmatize them. Never allow anyone to make you feel guilty of any weakness. God doesn’t condemn you and you shouldn’t either. (Roms.8:1)
4. Be humble to ask for help.
Self-awareness helps you to be fully aware of your strengths and weaknesses which in tune makes you humble. Humility empowers you to ask for help. And what more? God gives more grace to the humble. (Heb.4:16; James 4:6)
5. Appropriate the grace of God.
The finished work of Christ opened us up to the inestimable grace of God. It’s freely given for our appropriation. The good news is that this grace flows from the Surplus Source of Power to the deficit areas of man. No wonder, Paul said, “Where sin abounds grace abounds the more.” (Roms.5:20b)
6. Be careful to reconfirm that you’re in your place of assignment.
We become vulnerable to the point of susceptibility when we’re not in the right place of assignment. Grace flows abundantly when we discover and pursue our assignments. (Prov.27:8)
7. Align and lean on the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the Helper of our infirmities. When you allow Him to dwell in you and completely lean on Him, He turns your weakness to strength. The little one becomes a thousand and a small one a strong nation. (Is.60:22; Roms.8:26; Eph.3:20)
8. Shift your perspective from seeing your weakness or vulnerability to seeing it as an opportunity to depend on God for empowerment. (Ps.34:5; Roms.7:24-25)
It’s the dawn of a new day for you!
To your graceful veneration,
✝️Tochukwu Kemakolam
Prime Minister