A State of Mind
By Muriel Larson
Also available as a podcast at:
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/kindle/2008/09/27/a-state-of-mind-3/
** Are you undergoing hardships, or know someone who is? We’d like to pray with you: http://thelife.com/experience/need-prayer/
After a 29-year record of traffic safety, a Pennsylvania man had his driver’s license revoked because he had no arms. After it was brought to the governor’s attention, however, the Motor Vehicle Department allowed the man to take a new driver’s test in order to prove his ability.
Holding the steering wheel with his right foot and using his left foot for the floor pedals, the man demonstrated his driving skill. The state policeman who administered the test admitted, “He drove very well. He is very capable.”
The man with no arms commented, “I don’t feel handicapped at all. A handicap is a state of mind!”
Just think how much more could we do as Christians if we did not excuse ourselves on the grounds of being incapable! When we are asked to do something at church, to witness for Christ, or to serve in some other way, how do we answer? “Oh, I can’t do that!” If so, we are handicapped by our state of mind..
God tells us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Then Paul declares, “Therefore I will boast gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Even if we have a handicap, God is not limited in what He can do through us. In fact, He often uses us for His glory all the more. As we depend completely on the Lord, He empowers us with His Spirit and enables us to do His will.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, our efforts will be far more effective than if performed by some highly talented or gifted person who relies on himself and fails to depend on God. The Apostle Paul was brilliant, but his thorn in the flesh brought him down to complete reliance upon the Lord. And this is what made Paul’s ministry so fruitful.
Some most outstanding Christians have been greatly used for Christ in spite of personal handicaps. Fanny Crosby was blind; yet her music has stirred hearts through the years.
Has God spoken to you about doing something for Him? Have you resisted, thinking yourself inadequate? Don’t handicap yourself! Appropriate Philippians 4:13: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
“Oh, Lord, fill me with Your Spirit and use me for Your glory however You wish.”
Questions: Have I been holding back from something I feel God is asking me to do? Am I willing to rely completely on His strength and to step out in faith?
About this Author: http://thelife.com/experience/devotionalformen/authors/muriel-larson/
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