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A water bearer in India had two large pots. Each hung on opposite ends of a pole carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack. While the other pot was perfect and always gave a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For two years this went on daily.
The uncracked pot was proud of its accomplishments. The cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what seemed failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer by the stream. "I'm ashamed of myself, and I apologize to you."
"Why?" inquired the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"
"I've been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way to your master's house," spoke the pot.
The water bearer felt sad for the cracked pot. He said, "As we return to the master's house, notice the flowers along the way."
As they went up the hill, the cracked pot noticed the beautiful flowers on the side of the path. This cheered it some. But at the end of the path, it still felt sad, for it had leaked out half the water. Again, the pot apologized for the failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the way? I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side, and every day while we walked from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick beautiful flowers for my master's table. Without your being the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."
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Often, our weaknesses prove to be God's opportunities. Indeed, God delights to use our weakness to manifest His powerful love. Recall the encouraging words of Paul about his experience of weakness:
8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
*II Corinthians 12.8-10, NLT
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1. What weakness do you have that discourages you but that you need to let God use for your good and the blessing of other persons? Commit this weakness to God and request the Holy Spirit to honor Christ through it.
2. Can you see how God's power has helped you in the past during times of weakness? Share one such time.
3. What are different kinds of weaknesses a person might have or experience that God can use or God can work in spite of?
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*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in the continuance of his work of ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers, or through the Cokesbury on-line store, at www.cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox lives in Punta Gorda, FL, and Clearwater, FL, with his wife, step-son, and two beloved dogs. He serves the Christ Community United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, FL. Brian is vowed at Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a vowed, contemplative life and inspires others to experience a more intimate relationship with God-in-Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused Christianity and renewal of the focus of the Church on addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons, along with empathic relating with other world religions, East and West. Brian has an independent writing, workshop, and retreat ministry, for all spiritual seekers.
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