LIMP OF GRACE

2 Corinthians 12:7-10
7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect
in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

One of my favorite praise tunes is "Come, Now Is the Time To Worship." It's a call to worship--a song that grabs you and says, "Hey, lift your eyes off yourself and look to Jesus!"

The writer of that song is Brian Doerksen. The Canadian songwriter and worship leader is renowned for his obvious talent and passionate heart for God.

Brian and his wife Joyce have six children. Three of their kids have Fragile X Syndrome. This genetic disorder causes varying degrees of mental retardation. One son, 10-year-old Benjamin, requires constant care--brushing his teeth, changing his diapers, maintaining his special diet.

When his kids were diagnosed, Brian considered leaving his music ministry behind to become a stay-at-home dad. Instead, he decided to "continue with a 'limp,' sharing God's heart through music and the arts, and leading worship not just from a place of strength, but a place of weakness."

The apostle Paul knew a lot about feeling weak on the frontlines of ministry. He experienced a thorn--some kind of affliction that would not go away. He prayed three times for relief. The Lord responded with the profound words, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Paul exhibited power in his life, but he also knew weakness. Just like Jesus, whose weakness (humanity) was evident in His death on a cross and whose transforming power was seen in His resurrection, Paul needed both of those things to be complete for his calling.

Neither Paul nor Brian Doerksen desired a "limp" in their lives. But God's grace and the power it contains turns thorns into beautiful blossoms.

Jesus can make your "limp" a part of His ongoing work of grace in your life. Let His power be seen in your weakness. --Tom Felten

DESTINATION POINTS

* Why has God given me a "limp"?
* How can I glorify Him through this weakness?

LINKS:
http://www.briandoerksen.com

bottom line: A "limp" comes from God in love.

soul journey