Physical limitations can be frustrating for many people. My grandmother Vickers passed away in the year 2000. For years, she had rheumatoid arthritis and had numerous operations on her hands, feet and other joints in her body. Even with her pain and limitations, she could still make me a cheeseburger on a Friday night or do cross-stitching to help her dexterity.
We can get frustrated by the restrictions of age or maybe a chronic illness. Perhaps someone must care regularly for a child who has MS or for a spouse in need of care. Or, maybe we know someone who is bedridden or shut in and cannot serve the way he or she would like to serve. Yet, we can use those limitations for growth, no matter what others may say or think about us.
In Matthew 6, Jesus continued the Sermon on the Mount by giving principles for spiritual living by giving to the needy (1-4), an example for our prayers (5-15) and fasting (16-18). Jesus mentioned in Matthew 6:18, “and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” Think about how our limitations can be used to God’s glory and honor. They help separate us from the notion of having to be seen or heard by those around us. If we give charitably, pray or fast to let others see how religious we are, then we have done nothing, and we will not have God’s blessing. We cannot concentrate on ourselves instead of on God and on our fellowman and still be pleasing to God.
God always commends hidden spirituality. He hears every prayer done in secret. He sees every gift given in secret. He rewards those who are humble in their devotion to Him. What God sees and knows about us is what truly matters. So, when we think we are hindered by our limitations, think about this, “God can use even me!”
[Editor’s Note: Physical limitations don’t have to hinder spirituality. In addition, anyone whose mind continues to be alert despite physical impairments can pray for even others. We all need effectual prayers prayed on our behalf. However, physical limitations in others provides the child of God an opportunity to act out his or her Christianity. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
