The Courage To Be Vulnerable:
Creating a Positive Impact Through Faith
Picture taken by Lisa Stenger.
While I was snug under my warm blankets, snow piled up on roads and walkways throughout the night. I woke up at sunrise, catching glimpses of the snowy skies. I reached for my cell phone when I noticed the Pastor was calling to inform me that I needed to send out a notice to the congregation saying that church would be canceled. The roads were icy, and the electricity was out, meaning there was no Wi-Fi. Thankfully, I had charged my phone before bed and had a 5G data connection, which allowed me to log in to our software and send the phone message to everyone.
With the temperature below 30 degrees and no heat, I immediately worried about the elderly and widows who might struggle to get a generator without help. I thought about my friend who relies on an oxygen tank and another friend who recently had surgery and couldn’t go outside to bring in firewood to keep warm. What about the Amazon driver trying to deliver all those Christmas gifts today? Just kidding! But seriously, they are rushing deliveries on a bad-weather day because we want everything right now. God bless them!
However, I truly worried about those who had no choice but to brave the icy roads for work, the first responders attending to accidents, and the ambulances rushing to help those who slipped on the ice while shoveling or who had medical needs. All of this concern led me to a place of surrender, prompting me to stop and pray. What else could I do? I needed to pray and have faith in God’s protection for those I couldn’t help but care for.
In previous years, we may have experienced a week without electricity, but fortunately, this time it was restored by late morning. This allowed us to return to the comforts of our homes. Being vulnerable can be scary; panic and fear can easily take over, especially if not prepared. But instead of dwelling on the negative thoughts of what we are losing or doing without—our privileges that are gifts from God—what if we found the courage to be vulnerable and focused on the positive impact we could have by starting with prayer? Especially before taking action on what we think could be a good idea in our own strength.
What if we looked to God in faith for help? Just think… if you were faced with something far more challenging than losing electricity, imagine the impact that being vulnerable could have on your situation and those around you.
Let's look at six people in the Bible who demonstrate finding courage in vulnerability and how that has made a positive impact through their faith.
1: RUTH
“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16b)
Ruth: Gleaning in the fields with humility, Ruth faced numerous challenges as a foreigner and a widow. Despite having the opportunity to return to her own people and start her life over, she chose to accompany and care for her mother-in-law, Naomi. This decision reflected her loyalty, as she dedicated herself to Naomi after her husband's death.
Ruth made a profound change in her life by choosing to follow Naomi and having a heart that wanted good for others before herself. Inspired by Naomi’s example, Ruth leaned into God's plan for her. In turn, God blessed Ruth with a new husband and a child, while also blessing Naomi.
Ruth’s actions were rooted in faithfulness, humility, and unselfish character, which redeemed her. Her courage, loyalty, and faith—demonstrated through her willingness to be vulnerable—were ultimately rewarded. One of her most treasured qualities, deep in her heart, is evident in Ruth 1:1-22. This chapter also illustrates Naomi's true relationship with God, showing how she was able to be vulnerable enough to express her bitterness and anger toward God for taking away her loved ones and allowing such great heartache. God knew Naomi’s hurt and pain. Yet, through this struggle, God used Ruth to provide Naomi with love and support even amid Ruth’s own challenges.
2: DAVID
“…and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!” (1 Samuel 17:46b)
David: David’s deep emotional expression in the Psalms reveals his heart, confronts his fears with vulnerability, and rejoices and gives thanks to God. He expresses his trust and faith in God, fully aware of God's power over the people He created, while affirming God's protection for him and those important to him. A prime example of this vulnerability is seen in David’s courage in the story of David and Goliath found in 1 Samuel 17:32-50.
3. ESTHER
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do.” (Esther 4:16a)
Esther: Fasting and prayer were important when Esther was seeking guidance before taking action. Esther demonstrated remarkable bravery by risking her life to approach King Xerxes without an invitation. She trusted in God’s plan, even when the outcome was uncertain, and she was willing to sacrifice herself because she believed in standing up for what is right. Her courage to be vulnerable before the King was supported by her faith community, which included all the Jews of Susa and her own attendants who accompanied her in the palace. She reached out to her faith community to unite in prayer before God, seeking assurance that she was following His calling and asking for the courage to act. This power of communal support is evident in chapters 4 and 5 of Esther. After seeking God’s guidance and protection, she declared, “If I perish, I perish,” fully aware that her actions could lead to her death. Nonetheless, she chose to stand up for what she believed in. The power of communal prayer can profoundly impact everyone who gathers in faith. Witnessing the remarkable ways in which God’s handiwork unfolds can inspire and uplift all involved. This practice strengthens the faith community, promoting unity as members work together through the power of prayer.
4: MARY (MOTHER OF JESUS)
“Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30b)
Mary: Mary’s courage to be vulnerable began with her encounter with the angel Gabriel, to whom she said, “Yes.” Despite her uncertainty and the risks to her life and reputation from becoming pregnant before marriage, she chose to bear the Savior. She found remarkable confidence and courage to follow God's call, fully aware that her obedience could lead to death. The angel Gabriel assured her by saying, “You are favored by the Lord! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28b). These words provided her with comfort and courage, reminding her that God was with her, favored her, and had chosen her, ultimately giving her the strength to respond favorably. This extraordinary and fearsome message from God's angel, informing her that she would undergo a vulnerability that could cost her life, is described in Luke 1:26-38.
5: JESUS
“For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)
Jesus: Vulnerability was exemplified as Jesus shared his life with his disciples, demonstrating that it is okay to be open and honest about one’s struggles. He chose to eat and sit among the outcasts, the lost, and the unclean, speaking as if He were one with God, even in the face of skepticism from those who questioned His bold claims. Despite knowing who would betray Him, He did not always specifically call them out by name; instead, He named the sin. He loves us, just not our sin. He spoke about His Father from a deeply personal connection that others struggled to comprehend and were hesitant to believe.
The core of Jesus was to challenge the rules of man in order to reveal God's true heart of righteousness. For example, while dining at the house of Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, He was able to transform Zacchaeus's heart to seek what was right, despite the grumbling and judgment from others regarding Jesus' choice to form a relationship with him, as illustrated in Luke 19:1-10.
6: PAUL
“My gift of undeserved grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” (2 Corinthians 12:9b)
Paul: Paul frequently and openly shared his weaknesses and struggles, illustrating that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but rather a pathway to a deeper connection with God’s guidance in his mission to share his faith in Jesus. An example of this is found in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, where Paul demonstrates that while he is at his weakest, God can be at His strongest in our moments of vulnerability.
In conclusion, embracing vulnerability opens the door to remarkable courage and profound personal growth. Here are six positive impacts of being vulnerable:
Self-discovery – Embracing vulnerability allows for a deeper understanding of yourself. It demonstrates bravery and the authenticity of your character. This can also show others that they are not alone, as you were open to sharing your personal growth journey.
Intimate Relationships – You build trust with those around you by being vulnerable. When you show your true self, others see you as an honorable and honest person who is willing to take the risk of judgment or criticism. By standing up for what is right, you create an impression that no one is better or more righteous than anyone else.
Resilience – You confront the issue of fear by seeking God first, approaching it with vulnerability. This will build adversity, giving you the strength to face your fears in the future.
Unity – Through asking others to join you in prayer in a time of need and collectively coming together as a community to seek God’s help.
God’s Power – When you feel helpless, uncertain, overwhelmed, or at your weakest, seeking God's help allows Him to reveal His greatest strength. In these moments, He can intervene, provide assistance, or send you someone to help. What may seem impossible to man is possible with God.
Testimony – Your times of facing difficult challenges and trials with the courage to be vulnerable benefit the growth of God’s kingdom. Each challenge you encounter becomes a part of your story, showing how your faith has positively influenced your lie. This story is your testimony, demonstrating how God has worked in your life and how He can also help others. By sharing these experiences, you inspire hope and encourage others to find the courage to be vulnerable and trust in Him, too!
Dare to be courageous and unlock the transformative power of God by embracing your vulnerability. It's in those moments of openness that true strength emerges. Step forward with confidence and let your courage pave the way to profound connection and growth. Seek God’s power through finding the courage to be vulnerable.
