In My Weakness

Scripture: As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” John 9:1-3

Observation: As we know, Jews believed that physical punishments were a result of God's curse brought on through sin (and since all people sin, there was never a way to really dispute this). However, when presented with a man born blind, Jesus presents another alternative - the man is blind as a means of serving God's purposes.

In this case, the man is blind so Jesus may heal him and thus exhibit his greatest healing-of-the-bling miracle, that is restoring sight to a many who was completely born without the physiology required to for sight. However, Jesus' teaching can also be generically applied to anyone ... that everyone's physical weaknesses may exist not as a punishment, but as a way for God to work his will in the world through us. Such work can manifest as healing, but it could also manifest as our ability to perform some deed despite some limitation, or the miraculous change in our lives that can only result through the movement of the Holy Spirit.

Application: How do I consider the "weaknesses" of others, and of myself? Do I see them as the gateway through which God will work here on earth?

Interestingly, I probably DO see this opportunity in others, but not in myself. I view my faults and weaknesses as issues that require fixing (and many of them are just that), however I never pray about how God might use such weaknesses. Meanwhile, I look at others, and I am inclined to pray just that - that God use their situation to perform miracles or transform situations that no one could ever expect and thus make himself manifestly known.

Certainly God can use my weaknesses ... but am I brave enough to let him? Am I ready to be transformed suddenly for his purposes? Am I willing to attempt to do something in some area where I am known to be weak so I can show God's might and Jesus' love to others? Yes, I believe that I am.

Prayer: Lord, please use me - and especially please use my weaknesses. Paul asked you many times to take away his weaknesses, and instead you showed him that it was through his weaknesses that your strength became obvious. Please use me that way as well - take my weaknesses and make them your strength. Amen.