The Strategy For Dealing With Your Weaknesses

I was recently talking with another mom and she asked, “How should we see our weaknesses, issues, and shortcomings?” Whew. Great, super hard question. My knee-jerk response is to want to cover up my shortcomings, issues, sin, and weaknesses. To look only strong, reveal nothing ugly, and hide all things weak.

How exhausting. Tiring. Elusive. And the wrong game to play.

Perfectionism is not what we are called to as Christian women. We are not called to be faultless, we are called to be faith-filled. Quite the difference.

Weaknesses have their place. We shouldn’t be ashamed or enamored with them. They can be shown for what they are. And when they are exposed? We can rest easy because our weaknesses do not define us.

Dearest wife, we will not be defined by our issues. Instead, let’s be defined by who our Father is and who He says we are now.

There are countless places in the New Testament that we are told we are found “In Him”  or “with Him.” Our identity is in Jesus, the Perfect One. He has taken care of our weaknesses, will continue to do so, and will do so in the future. We are not defined by our mess. Our mess is washed clean in Him.

So let this wash over you:

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. – Colossians 3:1-4, ESV

We have died.

Our life is hidden.

With Christ.

In God.

Christ is our life.

And we will appear with Him in glory.

These phrases are no small potatoes, friends. This is our real, actual identity. Our weaknesses are hidden in the perfect Christ and we now are in Him. If we will appear with Him in glory, then our weaknesses certainly do not define us. Glory has no room for sin and issues and the old life. All of who God is and what He has done defines us and will define us in that day of glory.

So, dear ones, let’s keep our issues in perspective. Let’s keep our marriage in perspective. We have weaknesses. But we are not defined by them. They do not make or break us. What makes us is the King and His glory and His life where we are hidden.

Wife Step: As your weaknesses, shortcomings, and sin are exposed, stay at peace. Confess your sin. Apologize to whomever. Make amends where you need to today. But then rest in His grace and forgiveness. Rest with Christ, in God. God sees His Son when He sees you. Be defined by His acceptance. Breathe easy.  

Looking for more connection with God and your husband? Grab your copy of Dear Wife: 10 Minute Invitations to Practice Connection with Your Husband.

What weakness do you struggle with most? Share here or on our prayer wall – we’d love to pray for you!

Amy Seiffert graduated from BGSU in 2001 and married her college sweetheart, Rob, one week later. Amy worked in the college ministry of Cru from 2003 to 2015–8 of those years she served as Team Leader. Since 2003 she has regularly blessed the Cru staff, students, and BGSU Greek life with her exceptional speaking, teaching, leading, and mentoring abilities. In June of 2015, Amy brought her experience to the Brookside Staff Team as Director of Outward Movement. In November of 2017, Amy wrote her first book on motherhood titled “Chin Up: Wearing Grace, Strength, and Dignity When Motherhood Unravels Our Souls.” Amy loves anything athletic and competitive, especially tennis and Spikeball, and in her words she “really tries to believe that winning isn’t everything. But, that’s hard.” Amy also enjoys creating things, decorating, and helping others make beautiful spaces. Amy and Rob have three amazing kids ranging from 3 to 10 years old.