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.
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