don't waste your weaknesses

Happy 2014 From All of Us!!

years ago, when i was still working, i took one of my first "personalities" tests.  this particular one was the meyers-briggs test and i came out as an ESFJ (complete opposite of allan, who is an INTP).  ESFJs are described as:  warmhearted, conscientious, and cooperative.  want harmony in their environment, work with determination to establish it.  like to work with others to complete tasks accurately and on time.  loyal, follow through even in small matters.

a few years later, on another test i took (i call it the animal test) i came out as a golden retriever:  warm and relational.  loyal.  enjoys routine.  peace-maker.  sensitive feelings.

most recently, i took this personality test and came out as a sensitive doer:  introverted, practical, emotional, spontaneous, sensitive, peace-loving, loyal.  (there's more.  just click the link.)

i've taken more than these three, but i won't go into all of them.

then, at the beginning of this new year, i came across this article.  i LOVED it.  as a whole, we are constantly looking to discover our strengths, taking test after test to find out how we are "wired" so we can use the information to our or others' advantage.  but this year, i'm going to focus on my weaknesses.  i'm going to take those things that i don't like about myself and try to exploit them for God's glory.  like the article suggests, i'm going to stop praying against my weaknesses and accept them as God's design for my humility and the glory of Christ.  what a great reminder of 2 Corinthians 12:8-10:  "Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.  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.  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."