As we prepared to unexpectedly move from the city where we had helped plant a church, we were talking with different people about our potential replacements. We didn’t know who would lead the church nor who would come to our city to share the Gospel with the countless people who had never heard of the hope we profess.

There was a couple who was praying about taking our place. Lucy was willing to wonder if God was calling her to move from a city where she had relatives and roots to a life of sacrifice, trials, and continued sanctification. This was unlike a friend in another context who had considered herself unfit for ministry because of the struggles and hardships she anticipated–she could not imagine how she could minister faithfully when life seemed so imperfect. After considering her own weaknesses and personal struggles–not to mention pressures from the community–Lucy concluded, “If Laurie could do this in a foreign country with three little kids, then with the help of the Lord, I can do this.”

Lucy had seen how hard it was for me. Over the years, I had been candid about the struggles I faced: my fears of failure and abandonment, the disorientation of isolation, resentment towards some of the people, and my anger toward my husband and kids. I had spoken with her after losing my temper toward my husband and children. I had expressed my fear of being targeted in the community. She had heard a lot. In my valleys, she had encouraged me and prayed with me. Furthermore, she had celebrated with me when we saw God meeting me, using my weaknesses, and also filling me to love people well. 

I had wondered if perhaps I was too honest and did not model striving for excellence. But God had used my vulnerability with Lucy to equip her to expect greatness from God. She was under no illusion that I was perfect–I had dispelled that myth countless times! She had seen for herself how God had been glorified in spite of–and even through–my weaknesses. I could claim none of the fruit as my own! 

When we refuse to share our hardships–in appropriate measure–with the people we are serving, insisting instead on displaying a mask of perfection and strength, we rob others of the privilege to pray for and with us and also of the gift of seeing the power of God shine through us. If we are intent on bringing glory to God in our lives, we must be vulnerable about our weaknesses and trials so we don’t make it seem like our strength comes from us.