It’s Not About What YOU Can Do…
Brooke Brown
Small Group Leader
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. - Acts 20:24
As a woman with a physical disability that involves a significant speech impairment, I often struggle with feeling like I have to work three times as hard as my nondisabled peers to prove my worth in all facets of life, despite knowing in my soul that my true worth comes from being an image bearer of God. It’s easy to forget when my intelligence and abilities get consistently underestimated because my speech and body mechanics are vastly different than most other women. Many men shy away from pursuing a relationship with me for the same reason. It’s extremely frustrating and makes me want to set out to disprove every point. I know I have gifts and talents of value that people should appreciate despite my limitations… or so I would’ve said until 2016.
The years since then have been a harsh barrage of physical suffering and emotional trials, but Jesus has sat with me through it all, helping me find light, blessing, and freedom in every dark corner. With each challenge I come up against, He points me back to the same basic lesson. It’s not about what I (or you) can do in spite of my weaknesses, but instead what He can do WITH them.
We should not seek approval or value from others, but rather be confident in the value of the purposes for which God created us (Ephesians 2:10, 13). Also, remember that just like Luke is explaining in today’s verse, The Lord has given every single one of us a gift and ministry area in which to serve others. No exceptions, ever (1Peter 4:10-11).
The next time you feel weak or inadequate, I encourage you to meditate on these passages: 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 5:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:4-7, and Psalm 139:14-16. Take to heart what God says about who you are, and the Plans He has for you. When you feel secure in His Word, keep moving forward by His Spirit.
Do you know what your gift/ministry is?
What blessings have you received from trusting God to use your suffering and weakness?
How do they affect your ministry?
Prayer: Dear Lord, Please help me never lose sight of who You say I am and what You created me for. Thank you that Yours is the only approval I need and I don’t have to seek the ever-changing approval of other people. Show me how you want my weaknesses to be seen for Your Glory. I love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen.