Living in the Power Of My Weakness

From Dan Dean
Lead singer
Phillips, Craig, and Dean

No one wants to admit they are weak. The world we live in doesn't reward weakness. Instead it elevates and promotes the strong. We are taught as youngsters to be tough and stand up to the things that confront us. We are admonished to “man up" to the bullies that invade our space. To indicate a possible weakness is in itself a weakness to be avoided. Phrases like "never let them see you sweat" and "leadership projects confidence" push us toward a mindset where we can never appear to be afraid or lacking control.

Yet Paul, arguably the greatest of Christ followers, told the Corinthian church that he "gladly boasted about his weaknesses, in order that Christ’s power could rest upon him" (2 Cor. 12:9 NIV).

My friend Dave Clark embraces this teaching. The songs we have co-written together over the last 22 years are many times a reflection of the life experiences we found ourselves walking through. Even today our writing sessions usually start with the two of us sharing where life has taken us since we last met. And before we rhyme a word or turn a phrase lyrically, we converse about our “stuff." Those conversations and the sharing of life have been just as enjoyable to me as writing the songs. They have created a life-long friendship.

As with most of us, Dave's life has contained some dark chapters. Our conversations have included the words cancer, sickness, struggle, disappointment and fear. We have talked about our kids, our spouses, and our aging parents. Generally these topics lead to sharing about not just our joys and celebrations, but our struggles and the battles of daily life and ministry as well.

Like Paul, Dave has decided that the right thing to is to share his weakness in order that Christ’s power may be on display. Dave doesn't hide his struggles, pain and weakness behind his hit songs, many awards, or the tremendous respect he has from his industry peers. This daring choice requires him to take off the mask of success and let people see behind the curtain. It requires that he willingly share the good, the bad and the ugly from his reservoir of life experiences.

I applaud this candor and forthrightness. I respect the honesty that it requires—not many are willing to be this authentic. Dave’s courage allows the rest of us to look at our own life experiences and say, "I have felt that way, too. Maybe I'm not so wrong for having experienced feelings of insecurity." After all, isn't part of songwriting realizing that you have either lived the lyrics or will live the lyrics before your life song has ended?

I encourage you to draw from Dave’s well of experience, to learn from someone who has been there and chooses to share the journey rather than hide it in the end results. I believe these words will give hope to those of us who sometimes think we are minor leaguers called up to the big leagues before we are ready.

Does any of this sound familiar to you? Have you sensed God asking for something beyond the scope of your own capacity to accomplish? In the trenches of daily ministry, have you questioned if your efforts are making a difference? Do you do your best to project external confidence but experience a paralyzing inward fear when the quiet of the night finally closes in?

Take courage, my friend! This book is for you. You are stronger than you think. And it's not because of you. It's because He lives in you. Through your weakness, He chooses be made strong.

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"Dave Clark writes with the same sensitivity that has made him such a renowned songwriter. His devotional thoughts and words are like lyrics without music; each entry drips with meaning and touches you deeply in your soul.”
Chuck Wallington
President-Christian Supply, Inc. (Spartanburg, SC)

The paradox of Biblical strength is that the Lord often provides His power in our weakest places, our deepest wounds, and our most painful struggles. Dave Clark brings a fresh, compelling, and Biblically rich perspective to this upside-down life model. Living In The Power of My Weakness will deeply inspire you and change the way you lead and love others.
Gwen Smith, speaker, worship leader,
co-founder of Girlfriends in God, author of Broken into Beautiful

God's people are gifted people. However, we were destined to be conquerors and more through our weakness and the majesty of Christ is in us. With the heart of a servant and the gift of storytelling, Dave Clark comforts, challenges and encourages us toward the mighty God we serve.
Randy Vader
PraiseGathering Music

If you want to know about grace, listen to someone who has walked the hard roads with Christ. My good friend Dave Clark faithfully shares his hard-won wisdom in Living in the Power of My Weakness. It just might save a step or two on your own journey.
Mike Harland
Director, LifeWay Worship

With the engaging style so apparent in his song lyrics, Dave Clark writes a worthy read, a spiritual encounter, and a source of reflection to keep close at hand. This is the book you want to buy for others after you’ve read it yourself. Let it soak in—it will change you!
Jesse C. Middendorf
Director, Center for Pastoral Leadership
Nazarene Theological Seminary

Dave Clark has crafted an honest, heart-felt document that speaks to the soul of every pastor, worship leader, counselor, teacher and mentor. Dave’s devotion to the Lord and love for His people drives him to share dynamic principles for servant leadership that are deeply embedded in Scripture, Christian disciplines and evangelical tradition. Living in the Power of My Weakness is a must-read for anyone in ministry.
Dr. Vernon M. Whaley, Dean
Liberty University School of Music

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