Stand on your own two feet. This was my dad’s mantra.  He often shared his rallying words with my siblings and me. He wanted us to have a hearty work ethic and a sense of independence. These are certainly worthy goals.

But when life was too much for my feet, I buckled. My inability to stand labeled me as weak in my mind. And weakness isn’t a good thing – or is it?

In her best-selling devotional, Jesus Calling, Sarah Young invites us to consecrate our weakness. She says we should “…accept weakness as a gift” from God.

There’s a refreshing take. Weakness is something we’re taught to despise. We try to hide it, laugh at it, or even excuse it.

And yet, if we see weakness as a gift, consecration puts it in a different light.  Consecration means to dedicate something or someone to the service or worship of God. In Hebrews 11:21, Jacob shows us how to do this well.

“By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and bowed in worship, leaning on the top of his staff.” (NLT)

This elderly patriarch of the Israelite clan used his last breaths to bless his grandsons. But as the staff supported his last lean, it became the altar for his worship. Jacob shows us how to win in our weakness: Give it to God.

His strength is best seen when our strength is gone. Our weakness may dim the light of who we think we should be. But when we give our frailty to God, we experience who He is.

When it comes to receiving other gifts, I’m excited. But when it comes to acknowledging my weaknesses, I’m usually discouraged or ashamed. By faith, that can change. Join me, and let’s identify one of our weaknesses.

Maybe we’re weak to a person. Every encounter with them seemingly strips us of any power to speak up for ourselves.

Maybe we’re weak to a habit. We want to do better but we end up feeling more flawed each time we indulge.

Maybe we’re weakened by life’s traumas. We’re fighting hard to recover but finding little hope to hold on.

Perhaps your weakness isn’t listed here; but it still has a purpose.

Whether we have something wayward in our character or an emotional wound, let’s consecrate our weakness today.

Let’s lean on the staff of Christ’s grace and worship Him. Amazingly, when we release our utter weakness to God, we can begin to experience His unlimited power. Because even in our weakness, He gives hope for the heart and joy to the soul.

Click here for more information on this series and the “It’s Time to FLY” gallery!