Strength in weakness

The sermon this morning was how God uses weaknesses to show His strength. It just really really struck me this morning, because I can see that SO much in my life! The example given was a man who as a young child, could not speak his 'r''s and was uncomfortable saying something as simple as his name (Mark). But God used this weakness and turned it to amazing strength, as he is a pastor and public speaks on a regular basis. How awesome is that?

And yeah. I mean, here I am, the girl who never spoke up in class, or anywhere. Or if I did, I had to say what I wanted to say two or three times because nobody could hear me. My family would always comment on how I wouldn't even talk at family functions. I was the reader, the one who never was social or even remotely outgoing. Here was a girl who since the age of 15, had stopped using her voice, and started using her body as a way to express all the hurt she was feeling. Here's a girl who didn't even KNOW what she was feeling most of the time!! And God has turned my greatest weakness into one of my most valued strengths. I mean, it's not like I am always outgoing (far from it, I am always forcing myself into social situations), or always speak my mind or even have the right things to say. But I've been saying them. God has shown me how to use my voice and not be ashamed of it (some of the time, lol).

Wow. Just wow. I'm just astounded now that I really think of it.

2 Corinthians 4:7 - But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.