What do you think?
Rate this book
The Power of Weakness: Embracing the True Source of Strength
''When I am weak, then I am strong.'' Do we really believe these words penned by the apostle Paul? If so, why do we often rely on our own wits, strength, and resources when the power that God holds is so much greater? Does God s power matter if He s already given us talent and ability? Author Dan Schaeffer explores these questions and helps us grasp the biblical truth that God longs to use our limitations to display His greatness. ''The Power of Weakness'' invites you to trust God with your abilities and inabilities and find relief from the wearying pursuit of success.
- GenresChristian
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2014
14 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 3, 2023
Good encouragement for our culture, which dwells in pride and self-hate simultaneously. I would recommend this book to those who are newer to their faiths or to the concept of strength in weakness-- maybe not so much to those who already have even a general understanding of this. I personally wasn't able to learn much beyond the first few pages and then found it to be redundant.
My hesitation to rate this higher also stems from my (admitted) frustration towards the author for phrasing an opinion on a highly debated topic as though it were a simple fact with no existing counter-argument... which only happened once in the whole book, to clarify... and had nothing to do with the concept of the book, honestly... and certainly wasn't malicious... but it still really bothered me. Ah.
My hesitation to rate this higher also stems from my (admitted) frustration towards the author for phrasing an opinion on a highly debated topic as though it were a simple fact with no existing counter-argument... which only happened once in the whole book, to clarify... and had nothing to do with the concept of the book, honestly... and certainly wasn't malicious... but it still really bothered me. Ah.
October 13, 2022
It was a good book overall.
I had some trouble wrapping my mind around the concept of the book at the beginning, but the last few chapters were great. And with a lot of examples.
I liked that there are discussion questions at the end of the book, which make it easier if you are doing a book club.
I think the author has achieved his goal with me, because I reflected a lot on what was said, I felt that I got closer to God and I try to get in the habit of trusting him.
I just think the beginning of the book was a bit confusing, because I didn't know what to expect.
But I think it might be a book I would need to read again, to really understand it fully.
I had some trouble wrapping my mind around the concept of the book at the beginning, but the last few chapters were great. And with a lot of examples.
I liked that there are discussion questions at the end of the book, which make it easier if you are doing a book club.
I think the author has achieved his goal with me, because I reflected a lot on what was said, I felt that I got closer to God and I try to get in the habit of trusting him.
I just think the beginning of the book was a bit confusing, because I didn't know what to expect.
But I think it might be a book I would need to read again, to really understand it fully.
October 17, 2017
I enjoyed this book. Great lessons in here on how God uses our weakness to show Himself.
November 3, 2019
I got this book from a friend and it was a timely gift
I needed to understand that my weakness is not a hindrance , but an opportunity to allow Gods strength to manifest itself in my situation
I needed to understand that my weakness is not a hindrance , but an opportunity to allow Gods strength to manifest itself in my situation
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2022
It may sound cliché but that's how the book laid it down. Accepting your weakness empowers and illuminates Christ's strength in our lives.
May 11, 2023
This is really powerful and thought provoking. Lots of great insight into a real Christian relationship with God.
April 1, 2015
Are we willing to use our weakness for the glory of God? Using our weakness leaves us vulnerable and that is not the most desired place to be. Using our weakness, we put our confidence in the Lord, using our strength; we put our confidence in ourselves.
Personal Weakness as a Christian is our opportunity to embrace the power of God. The question becomes are your contend with your weakness. One of the first things in embracing our weakness is identifying what the world says. It is usually counter intuitive to what the world says. The world says follow your heart, God says guard your heart. The world says embrace your strength and overcome your weakness. The bible says embrace your weakness and overcome your strength.
True Christianity does not complement the successful, the rich, the popular, and the influential; it confronts them in their need for a savior. True Christianity complements the weak, the faithless, and the poor because in our weakness that the abandoned, faithless and the poor that God’s goodness and glory is revealed.
A mistake that we may succumb to is mistaking a weakness for strength. Being honest with ourselves and with others is vital. Part of examining ourselves honestly is done in discipleship and community. Have you had someone tell you that in your weaknesses, you were not cut for a certain ministry job? It is in these scenarios, that we may be undercutting what God is doing in us and those we minister too. Our weaknesses determine our usefulness to God.
The study identifies what God’s power really is. We can easily misunderstand what the power of God really is expecting something that is not of God. God’s power rest in that God’s will is done. His will is accomplished. The power of God in our lives is our will being aligned with his. His power is a reflection of his will. Seeking him in His word is the first step in aligning in the will of God.
True hope is a by-product of the power of God. Our hope may be misplaced at times but it stands firmly in the power of God. The greatest hindrance of God’s power is us! What are the obstacles that hinder us from his power? A great example of this is our desire to eat healthy but sometimes our desires for foods that are bad for us or we eat too much is greater. Our dependence on God in our weakness and in our strengths is the vessel that God’s power can be a reflection in our lives.
Living an abundant life is not about us but about God and his glory. It is not about the more and better, it is about the less and sacrifices.
Learning about our weakness and how the focus is on God and his goodness. Our weaknesses will be a testimony of who God is. “They will know that I am the Lord your God.”
I do not consider this a self-help book but a study that will help you direct your focus.
A Special Thank you to Discovery House Publishers and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Personal Weakness as a Christian is our opportunity to embrace the power of God. The question becomes are your contend with your weakness. One of the first things in embracing our weakness is identifying what the world says. It is usually counter intuitive to what the world says. The world says follow your heart, God says guard your heart. The world says embrace your strength and overcome your weakness. The bible says embrace your weakness and overcome your strength.
True Christianity does not complement the successful, the rich, the popular, and the influential; it confronts them in their need for a savior. True Christianity complements the weak, the faithless, and the poor because in our weakness that the abandoned, faithless and the poor that God’s goodness and glory is revealed.
A mistake that we may succumb to is mistaking a weakness for strength. Being honest with ourselves and with others is vital. Part of examining ourselves honestly is done in discipleship and community. Have you had someone tell you that in your weaknesses, you were not cut for a certain ministry job? It is in these scenarios, that we may be undercutting what God is doing in us and those we minister too. Our weaknesses determine our usefulness to God.
The study identifies what God’s power really is. We can easily misunderstand what the power of God really is expecting something that is not of God. God’s power rest in that God’s will is done. His will is accomplished. The power of God in our lives is our will being aligned with his. His power is a reflection of his will. Seeking him in His word is the first step in aligning in the will of God.
True hope is a by-product of the power of God. Our hope may be misplaced at times but it stands firmly in the power of God. The greatest hindrance of God’s power is us! What are the obstacles that hinder us from his power? A great example of this is our desire to eat healthy but sometimes our desires for foods that are bad for us or we eat too much is greater. Our dependence on God in our weakness and in our strengths is the vessel that God’s power can be a reflection in our lives.
Living an abundant life is not about us but about God and his glory. It is not about the more and better, it is about the less and sacrifices.
Learning about our weakness and how the focus is on God and his goodness. Our weaknesses will be a testimony of who God is. “They will know that I am the Lord your God.”
I do not consider this a self-help book but a study that will help you direct your focus.
A Special Thank you to Discovery House Publishers and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 22, 2015
I’m a member of the Family Christian Bloggers and they provided me with a free copy of The Power of Weakness for this review.
In Power of Weakness, Dan Schaffer explores the biblical truths found in God’s word about power despite our weakness. Many of us realize that we are inheritably weak and apart from Christ we aren’t able to be who we were created to be. Throughout the book, we dive into scriptural verses concerning the live of Paul. One of the main verses was 2 Corinthians 2:9-10 which basically describes how God gives us grace and his power is perfect and shown in weakness. Paul was content that he had weaknesses and for Christ’s sake for when he is weak he is strong. Dan also guides readers into overcoming danger, despair, baggage, fear, inadequacy, abuse, and so much more.
I would recommend this amazing book to anyone who is struggling with inadequacy and weakness and they are seeking to improve their lives and discovering the power found in Christ. I liked how Dan also shared how God used people who thought they were weak and unqualified for what God was calling them to do. For instance, God called Moses to lead His chosen people out of Pharaoh’s control. Moses considered himself a weak person and not much of an effective leader and he felt uncalled to lead. But God gave Moses power through his weakness. I connected to the story of Moses because at times I have felt fearful of doing what God has called me to do and unqualified for the task and afraid I would fail and bring shame to myself and Christ. This book has taught me how to recognize the power found in Christ. I also immensely loved the rest-release program presented in this book and I truly believe this will assist many believers. If you’re looking for a book to help you discover the power establish only in Christ, then read this book!
February 5, 2017
I wish I had read this book immediately after accepting Christ as my Savior. This has been one of the most helpful books in my prayer life. Although the book is not just about prayer, the author emphasizes the relevance of God's presence in our lives through answered prayers. When we learn to recognize those answered prayers we realize how important it is to rely on God. I think this book is one that is good to keep as a reference because it is applicable to anything you are experiencing in your walk with Christ.
June 18, 2014
The Power of Weakness
Embracing the True Source of Strength
Dan Shaeffer
Embracing Our Weakness by Dan Shaeffer is a book that reminds us that God uses us inour weakness that despite how todays society seems to despise weakness God does make us strong in our weakness and in fact the apostles he choose had weaknesses of their own.
This book reminds us that weakness does not necessarily equate from punishment from the Lord. Sometimes weakness helps us to grow in the Lord.
This is a great book to use for a study on how God uses us in our weakness and the question sheets at the end of the book make it a wonderful book for a study group.
Five out of five stars...
Embracing the True Source of Strength
Dan Shaeffer
Embracing Our Weakness by Dan Shaeffer is a book that reminds us that God uses us inour weakness that despite how todays society seems to despise weakness God does make us strong in our weakness and in fact the apostles he choose had weaknesses of their own.
This book reminds us that weakness does not necessarily equate from punishment from the Lord. Sometimes weakness helps us to grow in the Lord.
This is a great book to use for a study on how God uses us in our weakness and the question sheets at the end of the book make it a wonderful book for a study group.
Five out of five stars...
August 16, 2016
This is a "how to" book on our weaknesses being an asset. His strength is made perfect in our weakness therefore we glory in them. Is an ok book, but the root of all Christian walk is sdying daily to ourselves that He may live His life through us. Is all about Jesus and not about us. We are only vessels.
May 25, 2021
I learned a great deal about myself. Mr. Schaeffer has a writing style that agrees with me. He uses real life examples and many of his points hit home. I imagine if I read the book again, I would pick up even more.
There are chapter questions, and I do enjoy study guide books. This time I found myself wanting someone to talk with.
There are chapter questions, and I do enjoy study guide books. This time I found myself wanting someone to talk with.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews