MAXIMIZE DIVINE STRENGHT IN YOUR WEAKNESSES: DOING EXPLOITS INSPITE OF ISSUES.

Nothing can be more crippling than the overwhelming consciousness of the fact that you have a weakness. This is usually more so, if you have a good conscience. In this series of articles, the Holy Spirit will help us to look at how that we can maximize the strength of God which He has already made available to us in our weaknesses, and be able to accomplish His big dreams deposited in our hearts, rather than be shut down by the enemy.
DEFINING WEAKNESSES
When we talk about weaknesses, a number of things or definitions readily come to mind, we begin to think of someone who lacks strength, power, determination, or courage. The second thing that readily comes to mind is a character flaw in the life of someone, or a feature of somebody’s character not considered favorable. On the other hand, a weakness could be a fondness, or a strong liking for something (sometimes, this as you know could be something not good or even sinful in the sight of God, or capable of destroying one’s health or body), thus a weakness could be an object of a strong desire.
As a student of Medicine-especially Preventive and Social Medicine, which includes Rehabilitation Medicine, I know that there are gradations of social, physical, psychological and mental weaknesses in the form of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps. As a matter of fact there is a code name that handles this, known as the International Classification, for Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps- the ICIDH. The ICIDH definitions of weaknesses does not cover all weaknesses because it does not talk about the most important which is the spiritual, but all the same, I will give the ICIDH definitions here just to give an insight to someone reading this article.
An Impairment is any temporary or permanent loss of body structure and or function, whether physiological or psychological.
Disability-restriction or inability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being, mostly resulting from impairment.
A handicap is termed as a disadvantage for a given individual, resulting from impairment or a disability that limits or prevents the fulfillment of a role in the community that is normal for his age sex and cultural leanings.
Thus a handicap is any physical or mental defect, congenital or acquired, preventing or restricting a person from participating in normal life or restricting their capacity to work.
Coming to common examples and practical terms based on the ICIDH definitions above, we know people who are blind, deaf, lame, dumb, with a mental retardation maybe due to Down’s syndrome, or Cretinisim or some other factors.
Also children with autism, ADH and ADDH, adults with various addictions-drugs, sex, smoking etc.
Talking about addictions, a man said that as a fourth child, and a first son in a family of five, his sister’s wild friends kept molesting and corrupting him, and left him with a weakness for women.
Another brother said that he used to take drugs, and they messed up his mind, now he can hardly remember things, he feels that he has a calling as a teacher, but his weak mind cannot allow him go into his ministry.
One important definition of weakness is a weak point in the structure or arrangement of something. Think about two wrestlers fighting in the ring, an somewhere along the line one develops a shoulder dislocation- the opponent now target that shoulder, and every time it looks like he is getting up, his opponent goes after the hurting shoulder and hits it. This now a weak point and the enemy could win with it if nothing is done about it.
This is the same exact principle that perpetuates addictions in the lives of people.
Every addiction has a trigger, something that drives it, and keeps opening the addicted one up to it. It could be pain whether physical, emotional or psychological. Harsh and abusive words, stigmatization, loneliness, loss of a loved one, unjust denial of one’s rights. It is a known fact that nobody wants to retain his bad habits or addictions, but sometimes they stay free for 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or even 2 or more years. I am very much aware that demon spirits may contribute to maintaining addictions, but they are not primarily responsible for it.
Addictions are major limiting weaknesses that can hinder anyone when not handled properly, from fulfilling their purpose, and the enemy likes to introduce them early into the lives of God’s people, when his activities are not checked.
DEFINING STRENGHT-A LOOK AT DIVINE STRENGHT
There are a number of dictionary definitions of strength, some of these are: physical power, emotional toughness, source of support, resistance-the ability to withstand force, pressure or stress, defensive ability-ability to resist attack, asset or quality.
I will use some examples to illustrate strength, but before I do that, let us look at the very scripture that is the foundation of this article.
In the Book of 2corinthians chapter 12, beginning from verse 9, we read as follows:
9 “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."Paul, the great Apostle is trying to let us know that the secret of doing exploits with God is focusing on God’s strength, while acknowledging our weaknesses and in capabilities. That is a little diversion, but very important to note before we continue our discussion.
Talking about strength, let us look at an important phrase used above in the definitions of strength-source of support.
I will like you to think about two football teams that are in a field, about to play the game of football. Side A is a weaker team with less skilled footballers, while side B is stronger, and is supposed to win the match. However the referee and his linesmen in this game have decided to be partial and to favor side A. As soon as the match begins, they watch side B players closely, issuing yellow and red cards every now and then to side B team members for minor offences. The officiating crew ensures that side A is awarded penalties, and side B strong team members are sent off, until side A wins the game. This very much like us and God and the challenges that we face, when we are willing to co-operate with Him. Remember that if side A had decided at the beginning of the game to pull out because they are weak, the strengthening (or source of support) by the officials of the match would not have been utilized. As a matter of fact they would have been disqualified because the match would have been a walkover for side B.
This is exactly what happens between Christians, God and their dreams or even assignments sometimes. God is there waiting to do a partial officiating so that you can win, because He is on your side, but the enemy is busy magnifying the task ahead and telling you to withdraw.