Series: Action [#118]
DON’T QUIT- YOUR DISABILITY
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Introduction:
I was asked, “What is Tharon’s greatest accomplishment”? That question really made me think hard. Tharon lost his memory at 14 years old. Every day when he woke up, he was like a 2 year old kid. I went with him to School every day and by the time we made it to Swim practice, he was 14. By the time a doctor figured things out, he started losing his sight. The daily amnesia stopped; but it wasn’t long, and he was completely blind.
He continued to swim and began to swim at an international level. He swam in numerous National Championships, Pan American Championships, World Championships, and the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. He won 2 Silver Medals in Rio, 2 Gold Medals and 1 Silver Medal in 2017 World Championships; and many other medals at every level of competition. He has 11 standing National Records. Is this his greatest accomplishments? No.
Tharon lived at the US Olympic Training Center for over 5 years where he became good friends with people like Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, and many other well- known athletes. While living in Colorado Springs, Tharon and Paula worked with youth, (many who were homeless) at a small Church. He was a part of the Worship Ministry of the Church. Is this his greatest accomplishments? No.
3 days after Tharon and Paula’s wedding in Colorado Springs, Karen and I moved them to North Carolina where Tharon became the 1st blind NCAA coach in the history of the NCAA. Tharon was on CBS Evening News and won an ESPY award. Tharon was on the USA Swimming National Disability committee and created qualifying times for disabled swimmers at able bodied Swimming Meets. Tharon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a Master’s in Business Administration. Is this his greatest accomplishments? No.
There are many other accomplishments in his life, so what is his greatest accomplishment? Tharon has taught me and many other people about disabilities. His most well-known quote is what has guided him to all of his accomplishments- “Everyone has a disability- Mine is just more noticeable than most people’s. God can use any person’s disability for God’s glory if you will allow Him to do so.”
This morning, we are going to look at how God used Paul’s disability and how he can use our disabilities for His glory.
2 Corinthians 12:1-7
Your disability keeps you…
1. Humble.
The man that Paul knew who went to Heaven, was himself. Paul was not sure if it was in body or a vision; but he was in Heaven. He was told things in Heaven that he was not able to talk about or write about. That sounds like something worth bragging about. If that happened to me, I would brag. Especially, when people are trying to destroy my credibility and Ministry. Instead, he would only boast about his weaknesses.
He then says that in order to keep him from becoming conceited, that he was given a thorn in the flesh. The Message Paraphrase says that he was given a handicap. A messenger of Satan was given to use this to torment him. What was the thorn? Maybe, he was married- (Just joking). Most believe that Paul lost his sight. Think about this- He was stuck in prison for much of his Ministry, so he wrote these letters to all of these Churches he had started. With the loss of his sight, he could not even write some of his last letters- He had to have someone write for him.
Whatever your disability is, it keeps you humble. When I pass out and don’t remember what happened, that is embarrassing. When I wake up and I am paralyzed, or I cannot see, or I cannot hear, or I cannot speak; I am humbled. The Bible tells us to humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Your disability keeps you…
2. Praying.
Paul plead with God 3 different times to take this disability away from him; but God's response was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Anyone that tries to convince you that a disability is a sign that you are not saved or that you are a weak Christian; does not understand Scripture. Remember the blind man that Jesus healed? The Religious Leaders taught that a disability was a sign that the person or that person’s family had sinned against God. Jesus told them that illness or disabilities could be because of sin; but it also could be to strengthen their faith in God.
Why was Paul specific about asking 3 times? Paul realized that God had answered his prayer with a no. When God says no or not now, He is not going to change.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Your disability keeps you…
3. Focused.
God’s grace is all you need. Remember that grace is receiving something that you do not deserve. We all deserve to suffer and spend eternity in Hell- Instead, God has given us Jesus to give us eternal life in Heaven. God will give you what you need to continue on regardless of your illness or disability. Stay focused on Jesus and stop worrying about what you cannot control.
Conclusion:
When you are weak, God is strong. Your disability will stop you only if you allow it to. Trust God that He knows what He is doing.
