Four weeks ago I started facilitating a small group Bible Study at my home. Five ladies have joined me to study So Long, Insecurity: Group Experience, by Beth Moore. It's been an excellent study, one I highly recommend to every woman who draws breath.
The study has been eye-opening at times. Not only because it's made me aware of areas in my life where I deal with insecurity, but also because it's made me aware of how prevalent and debilitating insecurity is in women. It makes me sad and angry at the same time.
The beautiful thing about the study is that it sheds light on insecurity and gives amazing tools to deal with it. The study has been a life-changing experience.
Last week Beth Moore highlighted Proverbs 31:25: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." She spoke about how we are clothed in dignity, wrapped up in the love of Christ and strengthened by His power. Ponder that for a while. It's an amazing truth that we don't consider as much as we should.
During discussion Beth asked us to share a time when we had strength, might and power.
As we sat quietly, each person contemplating the question, I realized something. Most of us are quick to point out our flaws and weaknesses. We speak in great length about the areas in our lives where we struggle and we've made mistakes. But when we're asked to talk about our strengths...we hesitate.
Please don't misunderstand me. I believe it's important and vital that we have friends we can be real with. Friends who carry our burdens and listen as we share our pain and weaknesses. But I also think it's just as important to recognize our strengths, talents and gifts.
I believe we'd be a lot more secure if we acknowledged how strong Christ has made us.
I think we hesitate to talk about our strengths because we don't want to sound prideful or arrogant. But there is a way to be confident--yet humble. When we recognize that our best qualities come from God, and God alone, we can walk with our shoulders lifted and our heads high. We should be able to recognize those gifts and be quick to give God credit.
When our group had a few moments to ponder the question, I was overjoyed to listen as my friends shared their areas of strength. It was also fun to point out the strengths we see in each other.
Today I want to hear your strengths. Please don't be shy. I'd love to hear your heart. I'd love to celebrate the gifts and talents God has given you. I'd love to see where He strengthens you and clothes you in dignity.
Your turn: What do you think are your strengths? In what ways has God blessed you with talents and gifts?
