Weakness-Did God create them for his use or does the devil own them? (Full Version)

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nuinchrist -> Weakness-Did God create them for his use or does the devil own them? (9/9/2008 6:34:43 PM)

My weaknesses are probably related to me being sexually abused and wanting to please people and not considering myself.

On the other hand, Did God create my weaknesses so I can believe in the most unbelieveable, did he create it so that the underdog knows they add value to the world. I'm so conflicted about what my weaknesses really mean. I don't rely on men or anyone to take care of me, I give more than I should, I expect less from people. I am a true giver, even when I'm on the losing end. Did God create that too or am I a victim of the devil and need to change those behaviors. Which, I don't think that can happen after 42 years.

Am I destined to have what I don't deserve because I don't have real standards, I just expect that I can help, nuture and be ok with what I have.

Weaknesses - did God create them or am I fooled by the Devil?



Wild-Rose -> RE: Weakness-Did God create them for his use or does the devil own them? (9/9/2008 7:04:16 PM)

I believe that God gave each person strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes you can overcome your weaknesses, and sometimes they are just part of who you are., and you learn to accept it.

God can use weaknesses because it forces us to rely upon Him. There are many example is the Bible such as Gideon, David,Peter and Paul.

Don't give overly much in situations where someone is taking advantage of you. But when you are in a church setting try to understand what your true gifts are. Maybe you have the gift of mercy, where you naturally want to give time and energy and gifts to others. That is fine. Just don't do it when someone is disrespecting you and taking advantage.



agapetos -> RE: Weakness-Did God create them for his use or does the devil own them? (9/9/2008 7:11:51 PM)

quote:

Did God create that too or am I a victim of the devil and need to change those behaviors. Which, I don't think that can happen after 42 years.
I thank God that I have and incredible medical team who've supported me and helped me look and change my life. Thanks to them, especially 20 sessions with a therapist (secular), my whole outlook on life has changed. I have no doubt that God provided these people to help me ~ so your feelings about not being able to change at your age may not be unfounded.

I'm not suggesting that you go out and have therapy. That's between you and God. I'm just suggesting that your life may change.

quote:

and not considering myself.
Even Jesus took time (or at least tried) to get away from people wanting to see Him, hear Him, touch Him. It is not wrong to take care of yourself and consider what you need. Indeed, by doing so, you may find that you are even better able to help others.



ladyichigo -> RE: Weakness-Did God create them for his use or does the devil own them? (9/9/2008 7:26:45 PM)

Hmm..

I don't think God necessarily created weaknesses. I think He allows weaknesses to be in our lives so that His goodness will be revealed through them. I do know is that what God created was GOOD. But because of Adam and Eve's disobedience, we live in a fallen state and we are all flawed, and without Him we cannot be whole. We were meant to be whole, and good. We were created in HIS image.

We are born flawed (imperfect) because of the Fall. But God will use those flaws in our lives for HIS good (and believe me His good is a billion times gooder than ours). Satan will definitely use those flaws to try and destroy us.

quote:

Am I destined to have what I don't deserve


I don't quite understand what you mean here. Please clarify.


quote:

because I don't have real standards,


If you are a Christian, God's standards (rules, boundaries) should be YOUR standards. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, body and soul, and love your neighbors as yourself.

You've been dealt a rough hand of cards and you've lived a difficult life (one I cannot imagine), but please know that through ALL your hardship, your tears, God will bring good from them. Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.



preserved -> RE: Weakness-Did God create them for his use or does the devil own them? (9/9/2008 7:32:31 PM)

nuinchirst...

All of us has strength and weakness...It's our make-up of God's creation. It is how we handle our stength and weakness..Your gift could be as a meek and humble person...to others may think it is a weakness but to God it is a gift..to think of others before yourself...Also your weakness can help someone else strength. Keep in mind the devil is not going to cause you to give away what belongs to God...Put your trust in Christ and allow the Spirit to help you discern. Do not allow the devil to tell you because you having been sexually abuse that you are weak...God is still with you...never forget that...please others as Christ would have you to do..When we sin...we are all weak but we gain strength in the Lord as we lean to Him



manda59 -> RE: Weakness-Did God create them for his use or does the devil own them? (9/10/2008 6:52:18 AM)

nuinchrist,

What He did do was create us with deep longings, that could only be totally met in Him. Those longings are for security, significance and self-worth (ie feeling like we're worthwhile).

But being fallen image bearers, we tend to look to have those needs met elsewhere than in God - in things and in other people. The Bible calls that digging cisterns for ourselves and going there to drink dirty water, rather than going to God, the fountain of Living Water.

Jeremiah 2 v 13: for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.


So, yes, if you wanted to call these deep longings weaknesses, then yes, we are created with them. But the aim of this is always to draw us back to God, where we belong, where all our needs and deep longings can be fulfilled and satisfied.



DaveW -> RE: Weakness-Did God create them for his use or does the devil own them? (9/10/2008 8:11:55 AM)

Our weakness are from a number of sources:

first and foremost is our being born as a fallen person in a fallen world.

Then there are sins we have committed that weaken us and sins others have committed against us. (such as the abuse you mentioned)

Some may be caused or inspired by the devil directly in spiritual attack.

Some may be caused by God to show HIS glory in our lives. (remember the blind beggar that Jesus healed after the disciples asked if he or his parents had sinned?)

Bottom line: God can and will use these weaknesses to work HIS character into us, if we let Him.



nuinchrist -> RE: Weakness-Did God create them for his use or does the devil own them? (9/22/2008 1:33:37 PM)

I didn't thank you guys for all the wonderful responses. I've been in and out of the site. Thanks and I'm going to read this over again. Good insight!



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