A well-known actor commented that he enjoyed playing “flawed” characters
in movies because people could relate better to an imperfect character. Most of
us would agree that it’s easier for us to understand people who aren’t perfect because
we know that we are imperfect.
God included stories in the Bible of people who were deceitful, weak,
unreliable, and angry. Take Jacob, for example, who deceived his father so that
he would receive a blessing (Gen. 27:1-29). Then there was Gideon, who was so
unsure of God that he asked Him twice for proof that He would be faithful to do
what He said He would do (Judg. 6:39). And then there’s Peter, who for fear of
his own safety, denied even knowing his friend and Lord (Mark 14:66-72).
But when we read the rest of their stories, we observe that these people
were able, with God’s help, to overcome their shortcomings and ultimately be
useful to Him. That happened when they depended not on themselves but on God.
Just like the people who lived thousands of years ago, each of us comes
with flaws. But by God’s grace we can overcome those imperfections by embracing
His “strength [which] is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).
It’s good to learn of our weakness
if it drives us to lean on God’s strength. (RBC)
