the wonders of suspenders strapped into words

When I was younger I used to watch a show called Family Matters that had a character on it who's name was Steve Urkel. Steve was kind of an oddball. He wore suspenders and was very out of fashion, he talked a little funny, and no matter what he did he seemed to constantly be messing things up. Have you ever felt like Steve Urkel?...you just didn't know if you could do anything right? While it's important to acknowledge our faults and attempt to better ourselves on a daily basis, we must also realize we will never be perfect, and it is essential we seek where God wants us and be content with what all that includes. Sometimes, God teaches us through our weakness and our shortcoming is for our own benefit. Other times, our weaknesses are to help others. Either way, we should attempt to correct what problems and weaknesses we can, but accept those that we may not be able to improve to the point we'd like.

Has a handicapped person ever inspired you? Has an eloquent speaker ever inspired you? You can probably say yes to both, but they each had their strengths in how they tackled the inspiration, and you probably got a different sort of inspiration from both of them.

Let's hit up some Biblical examples. Take Moses--the guy had a nasty stuttering problem. He didn't trust that God could speak to Pharaoh (the most powerful guy in the world at that point) through Moses' weakness. Yet He did. (Exodus 3) And through Moses, a country and a people had a complete turn around.

You are weak...let's face it, we all have some weakness that we aren't proud of or don't want others to figure out. But God can use you, and He will if you let Him. Remember the Bible tells us that [God speaking], "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9. In verse 10, Paul says, "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."

Last off, let's go back to the Urkel thought. Steve Urkel, because he looked different, acted funny, and did not talk the same as others, often got laughed at and made fun of. Although he was a fictional character, you can probably imagine what that would do to his confidence. You've probably been the victim of ridicule before. Do you remember how it felt? Not so much fun? So then why do we do it to others? It is important that we remember that we are one body with our brothers and sisters in Christ (Ephesians 4:25). We also must remember that we are to be honest, encouraging, and uplifting to everyone, even those that are not brothers and sisters under the blood of Christ. Check out Ephesians 4:29-32...

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as Christ God forgave you." [Ephesians 4:29-32, emphasis and italics mine]

So strap on your pick me ups and pull up your breeches, I'd say you've got so go-gettin' to get done; and while you're at it, give a high-five to your weaknesses for me. Welcome to vulnerable. Christ might just pierce your heart with some love here. Watch what awesome He can do.