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)
