Being Vulnerable v.s. Being a Victim
by Susanne Ayala
As Christians we are taught that we need to be vulnerable. Part of being vulnerable is sharing with our struggles with others. The purpose behind sharing our own struggles is to help others who may also be struggling with the same thing or even seek help for ourselves. Sometimes, with the intention of being vulnerable, we fall into a victim mentality. The Bible gives us guidance on how we can be vulnerable without becoming a victim.
Scripture Reading
Paul boasts of the things that show his weakness
Showing weakness is not a bad thing
Boast gladly about weaknesses
Paul is weak so that he can become strong in Christ
Jesus was weak, but lived by God’s power.
Like him we live by God’s power.
Do you WANT to get well?
Instead of saying “Yes”, the invalid made excuses.
We face problems everyday.
We are made conquerors through HIM.
While sharing our weaknesses and vulnerabilities is a good thing, it is important to acknowledge the reason for sharing. This is our testimony to others as to how the power of Christ takes those weaknesses and makes us strong. Romans 8:35-39 tells us that we “face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” That is a huge statement. Death is bigger than most things we face on a daily basis. If we took that sentence out of the context of the power of Christ it is easy to get caught in a victim mentally. We begin to share our problems rather than share the power that Christ has over them.
Food for thought
What problems do I have that I tend complain about?
Do I share those problems out of context of the power and strength of Christ?
When others share with me, am I encouraging them to see the strength and power God gives them?
What story do I have that is not the story God has given me? God finishes our story! Am I sharing the finale?