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The Incredible Power of Being Authentic

If I must boast, I will boast in the things that show my weakness. -2 Corinthians 11:30

How many of us live with the opposite intention?

We close up, wall off, and refrain from sharing any kind of weakness.

I lived that way for far too long, and sometimes, I still fall into the trap.

 

The Power of Authenticity

But hiding our weakness leads us and those around us to believe that we have it under control.

When we refrain from sharing our weaknesses, our hardships, our real-life, right-now struggles, we forsake the opportunity to share the power of God.

I want to encourage you today that your weaknesses, your struggles and the things that you want to keep hidden, they are a possibility to expose the power of Christ. They are an opportunity to shine a light into the darkness.

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me. -2 Corinthians 12:9

Paul invites us into the power of authenticity.

When we portray ourselves as “fine”, we push away the opportunity to share the power of Christ.

Today, I want to tell you that it is okay not to be “fine”.

Tearing down the walls of “fine” invites others into God’s working in  your life.

Paul knew that when we was weak, it made room for Christ’s strength.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” -2 Corinthians 12:9

Did you catch that incredible encouragement?

The very power of God is made perfect in our weakness.

[bctt tweet="The very power of God is made perfect in our weakness." username="NicoleAKauffman"]

When we are willing to be weak, we make room for God’s perfect power.

So how do we do this? How do we discover the willingness to be weak?

It’s not easy. But when we do, we experience so much freedom and the amazing hand of God working in every corner of our life.

So, let’s walk through three steps that can help open your heart to the willingness to be weak in order that Christ’s power may rest on you.

1. Acknowledge the Struggle

Take a moment right now to consider what you have been working to be “fine” or to portray as “fine” in your life.

Is there a struggle, a part of your past, a relationship or a life circumstance that you are running from? Or maybe that you are just trying to suppress, ignore or belittle?

This step requires honesty. It requires the hard part of acceptance.

But remember, it is okay to struggle. It is okay to be weak.

Do you have something in mind?

2. Shift Your Mindset

Don’t view your weakness as something to be ashamed of. Instead, approach it with thanksgiving. This struggle in your life is the opportunity for Christ’s power to rest on you. This weakness is the opportunity for God’s power to be made perfect.

Take a moment today, and each day, sometimes multiple times a day, to thank God for the opportunity He has to show His power and His glory.

When you spend time being thankful for the opportunity, your mindset will shift from one of shame and secrecy to one of excitement and willingness.

3. Ask for the Strength to Be Authentic

This takes prayer. This takes patience. And this takes practice.

Authenticity will ultimately begin with action.

You may not feel like it, but take the leap and share your story.

Maybe start small and ask a friend to coffee. Or reach out to a mentor and create a space to share.

Authenticity is contagious. When I have taken that leap to sharing my gut-honest story, other’s have opened up their lives right before my eyes. And God’s power took hold.

I have formed the most powerful, life-changing Christian friendships when I have taken the leap to authenticity.

Authenticity will open the door to God’s transforming power.

[bctt tweet="Authenticity will open the door to God’s transforming power." username="NicoleAKauffman"]

If you struggle to tear down that wall of “fine”, remember God’s incredible power.

He has the power to take your weakness and turn it into His glory.

And as Paul reminds us, He will.

For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:10

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26 Comments

  1. Hi Nicole! Visiting from Holley Gerth’s weekly link up.

    Really enjoyed this post, as authenticity is something I often battle. Such practical steps. Paul is such a great example!

  2. Love those steps, Nicole. Taking that first step is the hardest though, isn’t it? Thankfully, we have God with us every step of the way turning our weakness into his strength.

  3. Wow, Nicole. These 3 steps are so practical. I especially like acknowledge the struggle. So often acknowledgement is the first step to solving any problem, isn’t it?

  4. Nicole, a big resounding YES! to this article. My favorite part is point #2. That one change will make all the difference in the world and allow God’s power to work in our lives. It’s a long journey getting to the point where we are not so ashamed of our shortcomings and weaknesses, but it’s so true that God can help and encourage others in such a huge way when we let go and become thankful for and open about our struggles. Loved this!

    1. Yes, couldn’t agree more, Leslie! God is working in us during the process! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  5. I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for letting your authentic, beautiful self shine through this post 🙂

  6. Amen! And I would add that being authentic and vulnerable isn’t the same as complaining about every hardship. There is sometimes an either/or mindset. Either we close ourselves off and put up an “I’m fine” wall – or we walk around as if we are defeated, complaining about every hardship just to vent. There needs to be a balance, and that begins by putting Christ as our hope and strength. Great post! Thank you!

    1. I definitely agree, Rebecca! There is a balance that we can find only through Christ. Thanks for stopping by!

  7. I try hard to live an authentic life. I believe it’s the best way to pass faith on to the next generation–my children need to see the real ins and outs of the Christian life. Great post–I’m sharing it on FB and Twitter!

  8. Wow I really loved reading this, actually I have been enjoying your posts lately. I’m glad I finally have the time to comment and let you know that not everyone is posting truth on the internet, so that fact that your blog is dedicated to spreading the good news is humbling. This post is definitely what I needed to read todAy:)

    Nikki
    http;//www.herdaringthoughts.blogspot.com

  9. So true! It took me a long time to realize that God will use the hardest parts of my journey to help others. Once I began opening up about my failures, hurts, and weaknesses, many doors were opened to help others. Living with authenticity isn’t easy, but with practice it gets easier!
    Beautiful post and beautiful blog!

    1. Thanks, Lindsey. Yes, opening up those parts is hard, but as we see God using it for good, it becomes SO worth it! Thanks for sharing 🙂

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