DO PROBLEMS AND CIRCUMSTANCES PREVENT YOU FROM ENJOYING LIFE?

SCRIPTURE:
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 
(Philippians 1:21)

MEDITATION:
Helen Keller, who is a classic example of handling life’s handicaps, 
once said, “I thank God for my handicaps, for through them 
I have found myself, my work, and my God.” 
She was the first blind and deaf person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Helen Keller was born with the ability to see and hear but at 19 months old, 
she contracted an unknown illness that caused her to lose her sight and hearing.
The doctors described her illness as "an acute congestion of the stomach 
and the brain", which might have been scarlet fever, or meningitis.
However, she refused to allow her handicap to drive her 
into a state of losing hope and giving up.

Some people with handicaps drown themselves in self-pity, and as a result, 
they limit their usefulness as a human being, and their service to God. 
The Apostle Paul knew the pangs of suffering, 
but he chose to use his infirmities, 
rather than allowing his infirmities to use him. 
Paul knew the value of serving the Lord regardless of his inadequacies.

Even with his sufferings, Paul felt he could experience real living through 
his relationship with Christ, and his efforts to point others to Him.
We have to assume that Paul was motivated as a result of his fellowship with 
the risen Christ, but he also could have been inspired 
by the knowledge that his greatest gain would be in death.
Why? 
Because he was confident of the glorious life awaiting him on the other side.

Look at what Paul said in a letter to Timothy 
as he realized his death was getting near.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the 
faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the 
Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, 
but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

ACTION:
Have you allowed problems, sufferings or handicaps to limit your usefulness?
If you are not serving the Lord in some capacity right now, 
then it’s time to start determining how you can serve Him.
As you serve Him, you create a closer relationship with Him 
and you too can experience what Helen Keller and the apostle Paul discovered.
You can open the door to “real living” now, 
and a promised “gain” at the end of your earthly journey.

Weak and wounded sinner, lost and left to die
O, raise your head for Love is passing by, - Come to Jesus.
Now your burdens lifted, and carried far away 
And precious blood has washed away the stain - Sing to Jesus.

And like a newborn baby, don't be afraid to crawl 
Remember when we walk, sometimes we fall - Fall on Jesus.
Sometimes the way is lonely, and steep and filled with pain 
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain - Cry to Jesus.

And when the love spills over, and music fills the night 
And when you can't contain your joy inside - Dance for Jesus.
And with your final heartbeat, kiss the world goodbye 
Then go in peace and laugh on Glory's side - Fly to Jesus, and live!

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, develop in me a spirit of being Your servant. I trust 
You for providing me with everything I need for doing what You want me 
to do. Help me to rise above my circumstances and become all You want 
me to be. Forgive me for allowing anything to discourage and even prevent 
me from serving You and remind me that You endured sufferings so that I 
could have life everlasting.