Reflections on II Corinthians 12:9

A handicap is a state of mind

After a 29-year record of traffic safety, a man in Lancaster, Pa. had his driving license revoked because he had no arms. The Governor of Pennsylvania, however, ordered the Public Safety Department to reconsider the decision and allow 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 said, "He drove very well. There were no unusual incidents. I took him on the standard driving course and then downtown through normal traffic. 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 we Christians could do for the Lord if we did not think ourselves incapable. When we are asked to teach a Bible class, to witness for Christ, to go as a missionary, what is our response? Do we ever say, "I can't do that"? If so, we are handicapped by our state of mind, and we hinder God's work.

God told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Paul responded joyfully, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" (II Corinthians 12:9).

This means that if we have a handicap, we can be all the more used for Christ's glory. When we feel inadequate and depend on the Lord completely to do His work, it may actually be done far better than it would be by a multi-talented Christian who doesn't look to the Lord.

Has God been speaking to you about doing something for Him? Have you thought of yourself as too inadequate, too handicapped to do it? Then claim the ringing proclamation of the apostle Paul: "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

 

This one is by Muriel Larson of Greenville, S.C.

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