An Extraordinary Man Named NICK VUJICIC!
September 06, 2008
Many times during our journey in faith we become disappointed in the people in our lives. For what-ever reason, some will fall short in what we thought them to be. Sometimes it's by our own deception, while other times, it's our own high expectations. Bottom line, there is nothing worse than seeing more in someone than what is there, for when truth is finally revealed its effect will grieve our hearts deeply.
A lesson God would take to an all new level to understand by way of family members, acquaintances, close friends, and many within ministry I never thought to see. Heart breaking, and disappointing lessons, I would learn to apply more carefully regarding those close to me in my life. For God wants us to always look for the character worthy of our trust, that we often take for granted. But did you know that doing life God's way can protect you from suffering a lot of emotional pain. For things are not always as they seem, and if we trust God, He will reveal those things which will help us make choices that protect us emotionally, and spiritually. Allowing God to direct our paths, especially those paths that lead to our heart is vital today.(Proverbs 3:6). Imagine the pain and suffering we cause ourselves when we rebelliously do the opposite of what God says to do. We do it however, because we are weak spiritually, and that weakness causes us great pain and suffering in living life. For if we are to achieve anything in life, we must become strong. For I understood that God cannot use anyone unless they are strong, right?
Know sooner that I finally think I understand this lesson did God go and do something totally opposite to teach me what HIS power in us can do, a power that will help to overcome all our weaknesses. Then instead of seeing more in someone than what was there, God would show me a little person who had more than I ever thought to imagine would have; in a condition he was born with. Something that put me in awe to understand. A person who seemed so helpless to live a normal life, who seemed to not have anything at-all to even live a normal life. Using this young man God began to reveal that all he needed was, Christ. And because he had him inside, God then was giving him - the world. A young man used to teach me a truth in the power of things weak, small, and seemingly insignificant in our world. In a lesson that ended up giving me more wisdom, and inspiration, than I could ever imagined. The whole experience brought to memory, (1 Corinthians 1:27-30) “No, for God selected what in the world is foolish to put the wise to shame, and what the world calls weak to put the strong to shame. And God also selected what in the world is low born and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt, even the things that are nothing, that He might depose and bring to nothing the things that are, so that no mortal man should boast in the presence of God. But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus...”
That scripture came to life in such a profound way when I met Nick Vujicic, who was born with no arms or legs. The anointing on him is something to see to believe. A reality which defies all reason, and as I watched in person Nick give a service at my church which was packed to the rafters with teens and adults. As Nick Vujicic made it feel quaint, and small, by his tiny self that evening. As he ministered into our lives what was important and real, in his own personal search for answers and hope that left my husband Bob and I, laughing, amazed, and inspired. Nick taught on the parable of the seeds thrown into different types of soil from the book of Matthew, chapter 13. Nick took that chapter to an all new level that would then move over 400 teenagers, parents, and even some grandparents, to give their hearts and lives to Christ. As I sat there with eyes of amazement, in seeing so many teenagers silently get out of their seats without hesitation to then practically run to kneel before Nick. Kneeling not to Nick, but to the God who had empowered Nick, in giving him such purpose, wisdom, and ability to communicate God's love.
Bob and I are Alter counselors, and with so many who went forward to accept Jesus we knew that our job would not be finished anytime soon. Knowing that, I prayed that Nick would still be around once we were done so I could atleast, thank him for being such an inspiration.
Finally, when Bob and I were finished we hurried out to see Nick. Relief was felt in seeing he was not only still at our church, but the reason for a very long line of those waiting to meet him. So to kill some time, I browsed the tables of his things he had for sale, and ended up buying EVERYTHING there was. Something I normally would never do, but for Nick and his ministry, the exception was made that night.
Then when I got in line, I chatted with a mother and son in front of me. The son whose name is Christopher, was very moved by Nick, and was one of the teens that went forward to ask Jesus into his life. He stood there; beaming with joy, in the greatest decision he had ever made in his life. I began to share with him what God was doing with my husband and I, in Africa, and his eyes got big as saucers. Then Bob walked up at that moment and affirmed what I shared, to then further Chris's understanding in seeing the power of what God's Spirit can do in our lives. In a journey of faith that is beyond our wildest dreams to experience.
Chris was so excited in all God was showing him that when it was his turn to finally see Nick, the exchange between them was very special, so special, that Chris's mom was moved to tears. Chris shared with Nick his own insecurities and immediately, Nick began to pray for Chris. They then exchanged special hugs and different poses with Chris's hat as I took their picture. With Chris's white hat on his head, I snapped a picture that will anchor God and Nick Vujicic in Chris's life, forever.
Then finally it was my turn and as I walked up to Nick, I was met with such a precious face that was framed by compassionate eyes that revealed his sweet heart and exhaustion. Mind you, Nick for hours, had just met hundreds of people. So as he smiled, I could tell he was trying to give me all the energy he had left in order to make our moment together special. Another lesson God wanted me to see and it’s power almost brought me to tears, for it took all my strength not to break down and cry. Seeing this young mans servant heart was something, I will never forget. I was so moved that instead of talking, all I could do was hug Nick, so I did, as I prayed softly; thanking Jesus for his precious, inspiring life. A life that gives more to others than anyone could ever imagine.
Then as I pulled away, I was met with one of the sweetest smiles I had ever seen, and you may be wondering how could Nick hug me if he had no arms? Honestly, that was not a problem, because Nick hugs you with his heart. The strength of his love then touches you in such a powerful way, that it leaves you praising God for the miracle. Truly, with Nicks hug, I had felt more love from a young man who had no arms, than from those throughout my life who had them. A gift that truly comes only from God.
So as my lesson about people finally comes to a close, I learned the importance of guarding my heart and emotions more carefully. That sometimes high expectations will leave me disappointed if I do not look for the character worthy of trust. That what I think I see, most likely isn't there, to be reserved in my assumptions until God can reveal the truth. That in this world people will dissappoint me but Jesus will never "if" I allow Him to guide me.
More importantly, I learned that with God all things are possible to those who love Him. A truth that came alive in the life of Nick Vujicic. A true miracle brought about by God which had produced one of the most anointed young men I had ever seen. One that pours the love of God on whomever he meets, in a world that constantly judges him and tries to limit his life. A young man who was born without limbs who God had chosen out of his weakness. To then defy the odds against mans intelligence by making him mighty, powerful, and strong in the love of Jesus Christ. A love that God would use to take a life that was born extremely limited, to then build into a life without limits. A modern day miracle for an amazing young man by an ever extrodinary God.
We love you Nick! And thank God for your life which reminds us all of how we are to be as people of faith in Christ. Because of your special life many now will choose to go on living, and receive a hope that only comes from God. So never give up, never stop believing, and always know that you have touched the hearts of millions of people; who now carry you and God's love, within their hearts. I thank you for being a person of true faith that is real, in a world of deception and confusion. For you are the light that brings hope to the human heart by the power of God's love to give life meaning, and true purpose.
To the reader, I ask that you keep Nick in your prayers, and if God leads you to support his ministry - then please do. For Nick's life is one to be celebrated and supported in all the ways possible.
In a lesson of hope, For a life of meaning, For a miracle!
So do you have a hard time trusting God when life is too overwhelming or doesn't make any sense? We live in a busy world today where many are struggling to find purpose in life. We are robbed of joy when we get lost in present struggles instead of seeing the incredible plan God has intended for us. Born without arms or legs Nick's birth appeared to all as a very tragic event. At a young age he thought his life had no purpose and couldn't see a future worth living for. He shares how his life changed when he understood that God did not seek out his physical abilities but instead his availability. Nick now lives life full of joy with purpose that inspires us all to look beyond our present trails & seek out the bigger picture the Lord has for us. Nick will capture your heart with his humor, charm, the Aussie accent and the most importantly his powerful massage that will leave you impacted for a lifetime.
You will be moved to see how his so-called birth defect was not a tragedy but an instrument to reveal the glory of God. (John 9:3)
For more information or to learn more about this extraordinary young man and his message of hope that is fast changing our world for Christ, go too: www.LifeWithoutLimbs.org
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)