A State of Mind

Written by Dorothy Brown

by Muriel Larson

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“For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2012:9-10;&version=31;

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 the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/experience/devotionalforwomen/authors/muriel-larson/

Tags: enables, handicap, handicapped, inadequate, incapable, mind

5 Responses to “A State of Mind”

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kanj says:

September 28, 2008 at 8:02 pm

awesome devotional Muriel, thank you.
i asked myself, ”how could i hold back anything from God?”’ He has given me peace, serenity, life! and i have been blessed with good health although i suffer from an affliction that nearly took my life. only by the grace of God am I here today. although my handicap was not visible on the outside, the inner self was wounded deeply. these wounds no longer exist. i was ready to give up, He wasn’t ready because His plan was not finished, and through Jesus dying on the cross for my sins, i live today to serve Him.
Afflictions may test me,
They cannot destroy;
One glimpse of Thy love
Turns them all into joy.
-(author: Willett)
Linda R says:

September 28, 2008 at 1:36 am

What a Great & Encouraging Devotional!!! I pray that I am open and willing to be used of God everyday. One of the Choruses that is my daily pray is:

Jesus Use Me
and oh Lord don’t refuse me
For surely there’s a work that I can do
and even though it’s humble
Help my will to crumble
Tho the cost be great, I’ll work for You

And I pray Lord that I will always be willing and available to be used of You. Hugs, Linda!!!
Hannah says:

September 27, 2008 at 9:45 pm

Hi Lisa, I admire you for using your physical limitations ( I like that word rather than handicapps.) as a ministry to help and reach out to others. You probably make a lot of persons have a much better day after they talk to you.

I also have some physical limitations and because of them I have developed a much closer ralationship with Him, and you probably have also. It makes us appreciate Him more and depend on Him more and it makes me put my trust in Him more that I use to. Also taking one day at the time helps to.

May God bless you as He uses you to brighten other’s days at work and anywhere else you go. I will be praying for you, Love , Hannah
sharon says:

September 27, 2008 at 1:07 pm

thank you for todays devotional
Lisa Schmitt says:

September 27, 2008 at 9:00 am

Hi there:
Thanks for your encouraging blog.

I have some physical handicaps, but I’m trying to work around them and do what I can. I have a speech impediment and some hearing loss, but I’m working actively as a CNA and I love what I’m doing now. It’s more than just a job to me, it’s a ministry – of reaching out to those who also have disabilities – most of which are senior citizens.

Yes, I’ve gone through some depression as well and times of discouragement, but I want to put that behind me and press on forward — to do what I can to serve God.

Do your best and trust God with the rest!