GALATIANS 4:14
“and you did not despise that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition, nor express contempt, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.”
Perhaps you have heard of an evangelist by the name of David Ring (davidring.org). David has cerebral palsy and often refers to it as he preaches. He is known to say, “I have cerebral palsy. What’s your problem?” Some people may be offended by David’s brazen portrayal of the Gospel. In fact, he has been arrested for street preaching against some immoral activity in businesses. But that does not deter David from sharing the message the Lord has given him.
Paul, undoubtedly, had a fairly serious malady while in Galatia. This verse hints at something that may have offended the Galatians. Perhaps his ailment was disfiguring in some way. Maybe an infection caused him to have a physical appearance which could cause some people to turn away. But he praises these Galatians for accepting him “as an angel of God, as Christ Himself.” Their acceptance of him in this condition obviously meant a lot to Paul.
APPLICATION
Okay, here is where the rubber meets the road. What excuse are you using for not sharing the Gospel? Carl, I’m too old. Carl, I’m too weak. Carl, I just too busy. We all have excuses, don’t we? Paul could have used his physical ailment as an excuse (and an understandable one) to take a break until he was better. Look how he describes this in 2 Corinthians 12:7. “Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!”
After asking the Lord to rid him of this “thorn in the flesh” and having that request refused, Paul says this later in that same chapter. “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” Can you say that about the excuse you are giving? Will you lay down your excuses and allow the Lord to use you just as you are?
God can use anyone anywhere at any time if they will only submit to His will. Ask the Lord today to show you His will for your life. Ask Him to give you His message to share with others. He will. He’s just waiting on you.
Father, take my weakness and make it strong with Your power and might.