"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me." 2 Corinthians 12:7,8
At last month's BMW Dallas Marathon, blind runner, Austin Greer, finished his 15th marathon with a PR by, in his words, "adjusting to the challenges." Greer, 47, was born with perfect vision but rendered blind after a bicycle accident in 1987. An activist for others with disabilities now, Austin has overcome many obstacles throughout his life and says, when it comes to running, "Every runner does things to adjust to running. I adjust to my visual impairment."
You know the Apostle Paul knew a lot about adjusting to physical limitations as well in order to run the race. The Bible tells us that he prayed three times for the Lord to remove the thing that was causing him trouble, the thorn in his flesh, and each time God refused. Paul's prayers went unanswered because the very thing he was asking God to take away was the very thing that kept him "from becoming conceited". In other words, Paul's impairment gave him the humility God knew he would need to do what God was calling him to-and so the very thing that made Paul weak was the very thing that made him strong.
So you see, many of the things in life that we look at as disabilities, handicaps or afflictions could very well be those things God is using to make us more like Him to fulfill our purpose. And by adjusting to and overcoming these hurdles, you and I can show others the power of Christ in spite of them.
Heavenly Father, thank you for a fresh perspective today and for allowing us to view our challenges as ways you help us grow and mature in the faith. Help us Lord to always trust that you will do what's best for us no matter how much we doubt as you make us into the persons we need to be. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Keep making me - Sidewalk Prophets
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