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Silas Odanike
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Excerpt from my upcoming book: Leveraging Your Strengths and Weaknesses – How Your Gift Will Make Way for You
What if the very thing you’re most insecure about is the exact tool God plans to use to change lives? In God’s hands, weakness isn’t a liability — it’s a weapon.
Weakness: Not a Sin, But an Opportunity
When we hear “weakness,” many instantly think of sin — but they’re not the same.
Sin is willful disobedience to God’s commands, which separates us from Him until we repent.
Weakness is a limitation in our ability, personality, or capacity — something that draws us into deeper dependence on God and others. Weakness is often neutral; it only becomes harmful when ignored or left unsurrendered to God.
Moses had a speech impediment — not a sin, just a limitation. Timothy’s youth and timidity weren’t sinful, but they were weaknesses needing encouragement (1 Timothy 4:12). Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7–10) wasn’t a sin but a constant reminder of God’s strength in his life.
Weakness only becomes dangerous when it pushes us toward sin (e.g., impatience turning into anger) or pride makes us refuse help. But when surrendered, weakness becomes a stage for God’s power.
Gideon, a Mighty Man of Valor:
Gideon saw himself as “the least in his father’s house” — insecurity, not sin. Yet God called him a “mighty man of valor” and used him to deliver Israel. As Paul wrote:
"But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty" (1 Corinthians 1:27).
Weakness as Strength
Weakness feels like the opposite of power, but in God’s economy, it can become the birthplace of influence:
- Weakness births humility – It dismantles pride and reminds us we need God and others.
- Weakness fosters empathy – Our struggles equip us to comfort others in theirs.
- Weakness showcases God’s glory – When success happens despite our limits, everyone knows it’s Him, not us.
The Blind Cobhams Asuquo
Cobhams Asuquo, one of Africa’s most celebrated music producers, was born blind. Many would have seen this as a life sentence of limitation, but Cobhams chose a different lens.
Instead of dwelling on what he lacked, he embraced what he had — an extraordinary ear for music and unmatched creativity. Over time, his compositions and productions gained international acclaim, leading to collaborations with top artists.
Cobham often shares that blindness deepened his dependence on God and sharpened his other senses, especially his musical genius. His journey echoes Paul’s words: “When I am weak, then I am strong.”
Why God Allows Weakness
- To shape character – Weakness strips away self-reliance and builds Christlike humility.
- To cultivate dependence – It pushes us to pray and trust God in deeper ways.
- To redirect purpose – Sometimes weakness closes doors never meant for us and opens new ones aligned with His plan.
Steps to Leverage Your Weakness
- Identify it – Be honest about where you struggle.
- Separate it from sin – Not every limitation is moral failure.
- Surrender it – Ask God to work through it or complement it with the right people.
- Share it wisely – Your openness can inspire others to trust God in their struggles.
Final Word:
Your weakness is not your disqualification — it’s your platform. God’s strength shines brightest where you feel most limited. The question is not whether you have weaknesses, but whether you will place them in His hands.
📖 This is an excerpt from my upcoming book: Leveraging Your Strengths and Weaknesses – How Your Gift Will Make Way for You. Stay tuned for the launch date!
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