When our son began to walk, we immediately noticed he walked high on his tippy toes. Initially our pediatrician said he would outgrow it as his walking progressed. Over time the tippy toes walking was still very prevalent. Our pediatrician recommended we see a pediatric podiatrist who thoroughly examined our son then ordered x-rays. The more visits to the podiatrist the more concerned we became.

When the pediatric podiatrist called us in for a consultation, we braced ourselves because we did not know what to expect. His stoic face revealed nothing, but his diagnosis was a gift. He said, “your son has short Achilles tendons.” “There is nothing wrong with your son’s feet” “I suggest inserts for a while, yet this will not prohibit him at all.”

At the time we did not realize our son was a natural athlete and his tippy toes walking would give him great balance as a football player.

What we thought was a weakness was really a tremendous strength and part of God’s plan for our son who graduated from college with honors on a football and academic scholarship. Years post the diagnosis the words of 2 Corinthians 12:9 became a living illustration in our son’s life.

“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” (2Corinthians 12:9)

When people saw our son walk, they would say, “oh he walks high on his toes.” Then when they saw him run while playing sports a perplexed look covered their face, probably thinking he could run on his tippy toes.

God created us according to His plan, with purpose and in love—weaknesses, flaws, and all. We tend to view our weakness as a liability. But when we realize our worth does not depend upon “us” in any way, we can be honest about our weaknesses, knowing they do not diminish our value in the heart of God. Our weakness can be areas in which God does amazing things in and through us.

Our son did not try to ignore his weakness of having short Achilles tendons in both feet and did not care if others knew he had orthotics in his shoes.

Oftentimes we try to ignore our weakness hoping no one will notice. I know there were times in my life where I tried to hide my weaknesses. When we live in denial and attempt to bury our weakness they will resurface when we least expect it.

I shared this story because it is a reminder for me that it is okay to be honest about my weaknesses. When we are honest about our weaknesses, we are acknowledging the truth that only God is Sovereign and in control. God’s power can and will shine through our weaknesses.

Do not despise your weaknesses!

Our weaknesses are not excuses to escape God’s purpose in our life. Instead, our weaknesses are divinely appointed opportunities for God’s plan to work.

Embrace your weaknesses and allow God’s perfection to shine through.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I yield to the truth that I am weak, and You are strong. Please forgive me for my prideful attitude that makes me believe I can do anything good on my own. Father, keep me humble and contrite before You. Allow the Holy spirit to remind me that the weaknesses, flaws, and broken places in my life are there for You to mold me into the vessel You want for Your purpose and glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PEARLStoPONDER: Reject the lies of the Satan. His goal is to render you helpless and defeated.

2 Corinthians 12:10-- For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Psalm 73:26-- My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength^[a] of my heart and my portion forever.

Isaiah 40:29-- He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.

Romans 8:26-- Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Philippians 4:13-- I can do all things through him who strengthens me.