19 Oct, 2010
The Purpose of Limitations
Launching himself from a 12-foot vertical drop, he raced full speed to the other side of the bowl, planted his hand on the edge, and dropped back down.
"Man, that feels good," Aaron, known to the locals as "Wheelz," said as he skidded to a stop. "I don't think any drug in the world could top that. I love adrenaline."
Aaron doesn't just fit in with the other teenage daredevils skating and biking at this park, he routinely outdoes them by pulling off stunts like hand plants and heart-stopping back flips.
Aaron's talent at the skate park isn't the only thing setting him apart from his skating buddies. He's different in one very crucial way. Aaron is in a wheelchair.
Story taken from Yahoo.com
1 Corinthians 1:27-31 (MSG)
Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"?
That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have - right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start - comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."
What does God's Story Scripture teach us about limitations?
Aaron Fotheringham is a picture of how God can use limitations to shame the strong. Did you know that the name Aaron comes from the Hebrew, meaning "mountain of strength?" I wonder how strong the Aaron shown in the picture above felt as a child facing a life of struggle. I wonder if he dreamed of being free of his limitations so he could go out and conquer the world. But I also wonder if Aaron, free of these struggles, would be just another kid with a skateboard.
But because--not in spite of--because of his limitations, he has become a pioneer in his sport and an inspiration for so many.
Have you ever considered that God wants to use your limitations for his good?
In 1 Corinthians, Paul talks about how God wants to use our limitations. Our own weaknesses, mess-ups, and troubles can be the very things that shine his glory. I don't understand why that's his way, but I do know one thing--it works. Maybe when life comes easy for us--we have good grades, great athletics, and perfect hair days--we just don't need very much faith. Think about this: what is your response when someone who seems to "have it all together" offers you advice? If you are anything like me, you think to yourself, "easy for you to say!!"
But when someone like Aaron gives a message of encouragement, we tend to listen. We can tell by looking at Aaron that life has presented some challenges. And that gives us courage to face our own challenges.
Your limitations may be only visible from the inside-out. But God sees and knows. He knows how he has made you, and he wants to use you--not despite your limitations--but through your limitations.
How can we connect God's story Scripture to our lives?
- Are you aware of your limitations? Do you tend to be impatient or insecure? Do you judge or criticize? Do you tend to be moody? Do you feel inferior? Good news: God can use that!
- God promises that "his power is made perfect in our weakness." Pray that God might give you strength to trust in his power, rather than your own.
- Remember that when God answers a prayer in your life, when he uses you despite your limitations, he wants you to "boast in him alone."
How can we connect today's story, God's Story Scripture, and our story to others?
- Sometimes we can all think God only uses the strong. Share today's scripture with a friend or family member, or post it in your room or car. This scripture is a powerful reminder that God WANTS and WILL work in our weakness!
- Be honest and open about your own limitations. Sometimes as Christians we want to "have it all together" as a testimony to God. But God clearly says here that a testimony to him is to boast in how we DON'T have it together--and that He is the one who gets the glory.
- Encourage someone who struggles today: look for someone who works hard in school but gets nominal grades or someone who you know has a rough family situation. God often uses us to be his light and power in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to tell someone that you are inspired by who they are.
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