I Am Weak - On Letting the Weak Say I Am Strong (Focus 1 of 5)

Consider this ice breaker as you gather for the Spotlight.
What is the best kind of animal to have as a pet, and why?

Now that you've answered the icebreaker question, let's get into the idea of this Spotlight with a different question, this one about the idea of "spirit animals." 

See what this Spotlight—and series—is focused on.
Tap on the words "Focus 1" in the image below to read this Spotlight's summary.

Take this quiz to find your "Spirit Weakling."

The opening question suggested the spirit weakling as the "opposite of an ego-trippy spirit animal." We've put together a little quiz that will connect you with one of four not-so-admirable animals for you to take now as a light introduction to the idea of admitting your weaknesses.

Scan the QR code below with your phone or click this link to + TAKE THE QUIZ and discover yours. Share whatever you get with your group!

Watch this video about a very small offering from an insignificant person.

Would that the widow of Mark 12 could be your spirit weakling. She’s amazing.

You can tell she’s amazing by the way Jesus talks about her, and celebrates her, and takes time to help others notice her. This isn’t the only time Jesus gives special focus to the weakest, and that isn’t an accident.

Jesus knows something most people have a hard time accepting: weakness isn’t failure, and strength isn’t success. In fact, one of the things God celebrates the most, faith (which the widow showed beautifully in this story) is often considered a crutch for the weak.

And it is. The weak need it—desperately, and you're no exception.

Read through Psalm 38 and count: 
How many ways does the psalmist describe being in less-than-ideal shape?

If you’re doing this in a group, choose a volunteer to read the Psalm for everyone. As they do, count the depictions of weakness and highlight the one that is most impactful to you. You can do this digitally or go analog—go with whichever note-taking method fits you.

A psalm of David. A petition.

1 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Your arrows have pierced me,
and your hand has come down on me.
3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body;
there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin.
4 My guilt has overwhelmed me
like a burden too heavy to bear.

5 My wounds fester and are loathsome
because of my sinful folly.
6 I am bowed down and brought very low;
all day long I go about mourning.
7 My back is filled with searing pain;
there is no health in my body.
8 I am feeble and utterly crushed;
I groan in anguish of heart.

9 All my longings lie open before you, Lord;
my sighing is not hidden from you.
10 My heart pounds, my strength fails me;
even the light has gone from my eyes.
11 My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds;
my neighbors stay far away.
12 Those who want to kill me set their traps,
those who would harm me talk of my ruin;
all day long they scheme and lie.

13 I am like the deaf, who cannot hear,
like the mute, who cannot speak;
14 I have become like one who does not hear,
whose mouth can offer no reply.
15 Lord, I wait for you;
you will answer, Lord my God.
16 For I said, “Do not let them gloat
or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”

17 For I am about to fall,
and my pain is ever with me.
18 I confess my iniquity;
I am troubled by my sin.
19 Many have become my enemies without cause;
those who hate me without reason are numerous.
20 Those who repay my good with evil
lodge accusations against me,
though I seek only to do what is good.

21 Lord, do not forsake me;
do not be far from me, my God.
22 Come quickly to help me,
my Lord and my Savior.

See if you counted the same us...
+ REVEAL THE ANSWER

Listen to this song based on the Psalm we just read—Psalm 38.

Finish the Learn section with this brief interactive experience about journeying into weakness. This will be a recurring segment throughout the series that sees the concepts of weakness and strength through the eyes of Peter, a disciple of Jesus.

This series is a great opportunity to partner with Seattle Parents of Preemies. As you consider “letting the weak say I am strong” this month, please add premature children and their parents to your prayers.

Supporting families whose premature newborns are in the NICU is a vital part of community.

+ Check out this article on the need for volunteers to simply hold them!

Feel free to submit a prayer request by filling out the below form.
(If you choose to make your request public, you'll see it display in the Current at the end of the Spotlight along with anyone else who did the same.)

Engage in prayer through this guided, meditative prayer video.
(Press play, listen, follow along, meditate, pray, repeat.)

Let's wind down with this song by The Response Band.

Sing along with (or listen to) this song to close out this Spotlight.
Feel free to sing along or simply listen. Do what makes you comfortable—but do whatever helps you focus on the song's meaning best.

Let's wrap things up by taking a look at what's Current at Illume.

Tap on the buttons in the frame below to see what’s currently happening at Illume—information on everything from current and upcoming online content to live events and opportunities to serve in the community can all be found here.