Middle School - David C Cook

Lesson 11 / November 10, 2013
My Weakness, Your Power
By Megan Barone
Lesson 11
Focus:
When we are weak,
God’s power is perfect.
Lesson 11
Bible Basis:
Judges 6:11-15; 7:3-7,
21-22
Lesson 11
Memory Verse:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power
is made perfect in weakness.”
—2 Corinthians 12:9
Students will consider that their weaknesses can be opportunities for God to
show His power.
Materials:
Internet access
Whiteboard and markers
Before class, write the following definition for weakness on the board: Weakness— a slight fault
or defect; a special fondness for something; a lack of strength. Synonyms: feebleness, fragility,
flaw, passion, or hunger.
Ask your students if they can detect the weakness shown in the following video [1:10]:
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=KLP77LNX
Ø What was this dog’s weakness? (Food, especially meat.)
Ø Do you have a “weakness” for any particular food? (Answers will vary.)
Ø Does every person have a weakness? Not just a “special fondness” for something, but an
inadequacy, fault, or flaw? (Revisit the definitions of weakness if you need to. Answers will
vary. Students should agree that every person has some kind of weakness. Weaknesses may
include a personal quality that isn’t necessarily desirable, a physical ailment that impacts a
person’s strength, a temptation a person often succumbs to, etc.)
Ø If someone has a weakness, does that make them a weak person? Why or why not?
(Allow students to discuss this from all angles, but conclusion should eventually be made that
some weaknesses may be overcome while others such as a weakness due to a chronic illness
or aging, etc. may remain.)
Ø What are some weaknesses people your age have? (Answers will vary. As your students
respond, write their answers on the whiteboard.)

Every person has a weakness. Some weaknesses are more noticeable than others.
Today we’re going to look at a time when the Midianites were in control of Israel
and frequently took advantage of the Israelites’ weaknesses. Let’s see how God used
those weaknesses to showcase His power.
(Continue on to Steps 2 and 3 in your teacher’s guide; your Step 4 appears below.)

Lesson 11 / November 10, 2013
My Weakness, Your Power
Lesson 11
Focus:
When we are weak,
God’s power is perfect.
Lesson 11
Bible Basis:
Judges 6:11-15; 7:3-7,
21-22
Materials:
Paper
Pens/pencils
Twine or string, cut into 18" pieces (2 per student)
Scissors
Lesson 11
Memory Verse:
“My grace is sufficient for you, my power is
made perfect in weakness.”
—2 Corinthians 12:9
Despite Gideon’s skepticism, God chose Gideon as His tool to show His strength.
Gideon carried out God’s plan with a small, 300-man army. As a result of Gideon’s
trust, the Israelites dominated and the Midianites ended up as the weak ones.
Without God’s power on their side, they ran away, cried in fear and ultimately
turned on each other.
Distribute the paper and writing utensils. Have your students fold the paper lengthwise down
the middle and write on one half, “My Strengths” and on the other, “My Weaknesses.” Challenge
them to find a quiet spot in the room and spend a few minutes making an assessment of their
strengths and weaknesses.
Point out the list of common weaknesses on the whiteboard from Step 1. As we discussed at
the beginning of our lesson, we all have strengths, and we all have weaknesses. Look at
your list. Cross out the heading, “My Weaknesses” and write instead, “Opportunities for
God to Show His Power.”
Ø What resources has God placed in your life to allow your weakness to show His power?
(Answers will vary, but may include the Bible, prayer, church family, worship, encouraging
Christian music, etc.)
Ø Why do you think God chooses the weak to show His strength? (So that others who don’t
believe will recognize that someone bigger—God!—is the source of strength, not ourselves.)
It may be hard to see the big picture now, but if you ask God for help, He can use your
weaknesses to show His power. As God helps you glorify Him, even in your weaknesses, you
may have a chance to help others overcome that weakness later! Just like Gideon’s life
pointed to God’s power, your life can point to God’s power, too.

Gideon wanted a physical reminder that God would give him strength. We like physical
reminders, too, so we’re going to make one today that you can wear through the next week.
Distribute two pieces of twine/rope to each student. Instruct them to hold the two pieces side by
side and knot it together at one-inch intervals. Then instruct them to have a fellow classmate help
them tie the bracelet into place. Use scissors to trim the ends.
When you knot string or twine together like this, it is stronger than just one piece on its
own. This week, when you’re feeling weak and powerless, look at your knotted twine
bracelet and remember that your weakness plus God makes His power the perfect way to
bring Him glory. When you are feeling weak in any circumstance, thank God for that
opportunity for Him to show His power; ask God to give you peace and patience as you deal
with your weakness.
As you close in prayer, remind the students that you’re there for them if they want to talk
about any of their weaknesses.
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