So, the Lord has laid it on my heart to write about the power of vulnerability. In a culture where we are told that we must be strong and keep it together no matter what’s going on inside, risking being open and honest is deemed weak and foolish. We’re opening ourselves up to the possibility of getting ridiculed or the person using what we’ve disclosed to hurt us. It’s a risk we’re often not willing to take, except with our closest friends and family. Now, I’m not suggesting we disclose our most intimate secrets with everyone we meet. We must be wise. But, I am saying that being real with others and letting them see who we really are and revealing some of our struggles has the potential to bring freedom and healing to others as well as ourselves.
You see, vulnerability is the opposite of weakness. It’s courageous. Baring your soul to someone when you can’t control how they’ll respond: it’s bold. And, the Enemy of our souls despises it. He’d prefer that we keep everything hidden, in the dark. For he knows, that exposing it to the light brings healing and freedom and strips him of his power over us, to use these things against us. When we hide parts of ourselves, we don’t give room for God to work and heal.
So, firstly, we must be honest with the Lord. I mean, He already knows anyways. And, He’s not ashamed of you. He loves you and sees past whatever it is. Our God brings conviction but never shame or condemnation. He asks us to surrender our hearts to Him, piece by piece so that He can heal them and transform them. But, it’s up to us to be real with Him and give Him access. He won’t rush us or force us.
And, then, we need to open up to others. Often, God uses our vulnerability with others to heal us and them. When we step out in boldness and share what’s on our hearts or in our past, we create a safe place for the other person to share and get freedom. Be discerning in what you share and who you share it with. Ask the Lord. But, step out in faith and courage, knowing that the Lord will be with you and will bless you, no matter how the other person responds. And, the only person’s response that matters is the Lord’s anyways. And He always receives you with grace, truth, and love.
So, today, ask yourself:
Am I being vulnerable with the Lord?
Am I being honest with my friends and family and others I encounter?
Is there anything I need to confess or bring into the light?
Am I responding with love and grace when others share their heart with me?
The Lord longs to heal you and free you. And He uses vulnerability as a vessel. So, be real. Be bold. Be you. And watch Him work.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.””
??Ephesians? ?5:8-14? ?
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
??James? ?5:16?
Vulnerability may be a good thing, but it’s really hard. But in our weaknesses, He is made strong.