#vulnerable #vulnerability
As a child, Sarah was always the strong one. She never cried, never showed weakness, and never let anyone see her sweat. She carried this strength into her adult relationships, always putting on a brave face and never letting anyone see her true feelings. But as she grew older, she began to realize that this strength was a barrier to true intimacy.
One day, Sarah met Max, a kind and gentle man who saw right through her tough exterior. He didn’t try to fix her or save her; he just accepted her for who she was, vulnerabilities and all. At first, Sarah was terrified of being vulnerable with Max. She had built up such strong walls around herself that she didn’t know how to let them down. But Max was patient and persistent, and slowly but surely, Sarah began to open up to him.
As she did, she realized that vulnerability was not a weakness, but a strength. It took courage to be vulnerable, to let down her guard and show Max the real Sarah. And to her surprise, Max loved the real Sarah, flaws and all. He saw the beauty in her vulnerability and accepted her for who she was, without judgment.
Over time, Sarah learned to embrace her vulnerability and trust Max with it. She found that their relationship deepened and grew stronger as a result. They were able to connect on a level that went beyond surface-level small talk and instead, they were able to have meaningful and authentic conversations.
One day, Sarah found herself in a difficult situation at work. She was feeling overwhelmed and stressed, and she didn’t know how to handle it. She called Max and he listened to her, without judgment. He offered her words of encouragement and support, and he reminded her that she was strong and capable. He reminded her that she didn’t have to be perfect, and that it was okay to be vulnerable.
Sarah realized that she had been trying to be perfect for so long that she had forgotten how to be human. She had forgotten that it was okay to be vulnerable and to ask for help. But with Max’s love and support, she was able to let down her guard and be herself. She was able to be vulnerable and open with him, and it brought her a sense of peace and joy that she had never experienced before.
As she looked at Max, she realized that he was the only person she had ever met who truly saw her for who she was, and loved her for it. He had accepted her vulnerability and had shown her that it was a strength, not a weakness. And in that moment, she knew that she would always be grateful for his love and acceptance.
Day 35 of 40 day Discipleship Walk with Jesus Christ: Be vulnerable
Saturday, January 4th, 2025
Blog link – https://www.otakada.org/day-35-of-40-day-discipleship-walk-with-jesus-christ-be-vulnerable/
Full 40 Day Discipleship Walk with Jesus Link – https://www.otakada.org/get-free-40-days-online-discipleship-course-in-a-journey-with-jesus/
Salvation Gift Link – https://www.otakada.org/how-to-be-born-again/
Luke 22:42
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Vulnerability is a third characteristic of a learner. It means we are open to change. We could get hurt. At appropriate times, we share our struggles, our feelings and our hopes. Because we are vulnerable, we need to learn to be gentle with one another and respectful of the trust people have in us. We need to be careful how we talk about each other and not gossip. There are many commands in the New Testament that mention doing things one to another: Love, forgive, support, not judge, serve, submit and exhort. These are practiced with others and impossible to do by ourselves. It is not someone else’s job. It is not a program. It is not once-a- week.
Integrity, transparency and vulnerability are three marks of a growing Jesus’ learner and are evidence of a life being transformed by Him. These characteristics should describe us and should affect everything.
For Reflection:
- Where do you see Jesus being vulnerable?
- What are the costs and benefits of being vulnerable?
Make Life Count:
- Thirteen days ago you made a list of 2 or 3 people (your ‘encouragers’) that you hope to connect with spiritually. Have you managed to meet anyone yet? If not, write an email now and invite them to connect.
Meet this week to discuss NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS 2:
Days 29 to 35
This week many of the readings relate to the nurturing relationship of prayer. Help people to pray conversationally by saying a simple phrase or idea; what you can say with one breath. Then someone else continues the conversation (Day 30). Think of a normal conversation with talking and listening. People don’t repeat what is already said, but they add to the conversation a thought that flows in the same theme.
This skill is more than just giving everyone an opportunity to pray. There is an interdependence of listening to the Spirit together where the conversation is supernaturally guided. It is also a comfort that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, so that we do not have to be concerned about the exact wording in forming our prayer. Brevity in prayer also helps others pay attention and keep their minds from wandering. As always, the leader’s example is important.
How do you feel people are doing? Are they encouraged? Are you praying for them? Is the saltiness of Jesus making them thirsty for more? How may your nurturing relationship deepen with others in your faith community?
Use these discussion questions or adapt them as needed:
- How have you perceived the presence of God this week?
- How have you responded?
- What risks have you taken by faith?
- What are you learning?
- How can we help?
Shalom!