I wanted my word this year to be gentleness, a good word, a fruit of the Spirit, and something I need more of. But God told me, and then proceeded to give me practice in, vulnerability. This word isn’t even in the Bible, so how can it be my word? The concept is definitely there though, including 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Preparing for our women’s retreat, we are looking at Christ as our anchor. Christ is patient, humble, obedient, compassionate, forgiving, and lots of other amazing things, but I am not. So what do I do with this? Jamie Martin says, “God’s grace + my weakness = enough.” With a fresh reminder of the dangers of my husband’s job and two teenage daughters, my vulnerability in this world is clear. But that’s not what God wants me to focus on, because that is the way of fear. What God is calling me to is being more transparent and honest with myself, God, and those around me, and to be able to listen when they need to be the same with me. That is the vulnerability He is calling me to, realizing that I can’t do this well without His strength. What are you and the Holy Spirit working on this year?