Is there any one that fails? Is there anyone that falls? Am I the only one in church today feeling so small? ~ Casting Crowns, Stained Glass Masquerade.
Personal weaknesses are character flaws or habits present in the life of a believer that he/she wants to change.
At first it appears easier said than done when the Bible urges us to “put aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us” (Hebrews 12:1) until we acknowledge and fully take in the fact that every weakness a Christian has is as a result of a lack of discipline in that area.
Whether you’re struggling with anger, laziness, lust, gluttony or pride, here are things you must know and do about your weakness:
1. Admit it. Sincerely recognize your weakness for what it is.
2. Know your triggers. 1 Thess 5:22 instructs us to avoid even the
appearance of evil. Identify the things that set you on that path, and avoid them.
3. Lean on the Holy Spirit. If you try to fight your weakness in your own strength, you will most likely fail. 2 Corinthians 3:18 makes it clear that we have the help of God’s Holy Spirit, and it is He who transforms us.
4. Know that it is a gradual process. Recognise when you are making progress, and know that becoming takes time. If you fall, get up and keep going.
5. Know the scriptures that address that particular weakness, and commit them to heart for meditation.
6. Be accountable. Get a partner who will hold you accountable and cover you in prayer. When this is someone who you truly love or respect, you will be less inclined to do something stupid, or make a habit of failing.
The fact that you are uncomfortable with your weakness and want to change shows that you have indeed been born of God. “Do you not know that whoever is born of God cannot continue in sin? He keeps himself and the wicked one cannot touch him.” 1 John 3:9,
Philippians 2:13 says It is God who gives us the desire and the ability to please Him. You will overcome.
About the author: Joy Ehonwa is a writer, editor and online proofreader who is passionate about relationships and personal development. She runs Pinpoint Creatives, a copy-editing, ghostwriting and transcription business, and blogs at www.anafricandiva.wordpress.com and www.girlaware.wordpress.com
