6. WOULD GOD LET AN OBEDIENT CHRISTIAN BECOME SCARRED?
     Now we know that the apostle Paul obeyed the will of God. But still God gave him "a thorn in the flesh." 2 Corinthians 12:7 says, "And lest I should be exalted above measure ... a thorn in the flesh was given to me." After Paul prayed three times to remove this thorn in the flesh, God said to him, '"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities"(2 Corinthians 12:9). And then listen to what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:16,

2 Corinthians 4:16

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day."

Sometimes God may sacrifice outward beauty so we will develop inward character.

7. CAN A PHYSICAL DEFECT EXCLUDE PEOPLE FROM SERVICE?
     In Leviticus 21 there were certain requirements to be a high priest. He had to be an Israelite. He had to be a descendent of Aaron. He had to be male. And he had to be without any deformities or blemish. Why? He was a picture of Christ, the mediator between man and God who was perfect. You and I are not perfect but we are complete in Jesus (Colossians 2:10). My physical defects may limit me from some service but they remind me that I need Him. 2 Corinthians 10:17 says,

2 Corinthians 10:17

"But he who glories (boasts), let him glory (or boast) in the Lord."

And in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "Most gladly ... will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

8. DO SEVERE DEFECTS MAKE ME LESS HAPPY? ABOUT MYSELF?
     Most people think that the more handsome and attractive people are, the happier they will be. But very often those who are physically attractive down deep inside are very unhappy. Why is this? (1) They usually face more temptation. (2) They often doubt their own attractiveness. (3) They don't like it that people only like them because of the way they look. (4) They fear being compared with others and (5) They fear growing old. Proverbs 31:30 says,

Proverbs 31:30

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

9. DO PERSONAL DEFECTS MAKE ME FEEL BAD ABOUT MYSELF?
     The major reason that some people feel inferior is that they compare themselves with others. And God warns us not to do that. 2 Corinthians 10:12 says, "For we dare not class ... or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring ... and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise. When I compare myself with others I will find someone smarter, better looking, with a better background, better education and I will feel inferior. Inferiority isn't caused by a scar or defect, but because I don't accept it as a gift from God.

     For example, a scar on your face may make one feel self-conscious or inferior. But in medieval Europe if a young man fought in battle with his sword and in a sword fight he got a scar on his face that became a mark of skill, bravery and honor. It meant that he was victorious in battle. When he came home he was proud of that scar.

     And when you and I see our physical scars and family hurts as a gift from God; a good thing that will build godly character into our life then we won't feel inferior. The apostle Paul's body was badly scarred from being stoned, ship-wrecked and beaten. But he says,

Galatians 6:17

"From now on let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus"

(Galatians 6:17). He saw his scars as a gift from God.

10. CAN DEFECTS, CAUSED BY MY SIN, BE OF SPIRITUAL BENEFIT?
     Sin will produce physical, mental and emotional weaknesses. But these limitations can be used as valuable daily reminders which will really help me to grow spiritually. When Adam and Eve sinned the ground was cursed. The weeds were reminders of past sin and motivation to obey God so no more curses would come. For Eve her monthly cycle and difficulty in childbearing were also reminders of past sin and the need for future obedience (Genesis 3:13-18).

     In the 18th century a godly mother knew her life was coming to an end. She taught all she knew about God and the Christian life. When her son was seven she died. That son soon rejected his mother's teaching. He went off to sea and became a sea captain of a slave trading ship. His crew became so disgusted with his terrible actions that one day, while drunk, he fell overboard. They rescued him by throwing a harpoon (or spear) into him and pulling him back into the ship. After that John Newton always walked with a limp. Later he became a Christian and every step was a reminder of God's grace to a very bad sinner. He wrote the song, "Amazing Grace."

by Steve Nicholes
LINKS TO . . . Other Bible Messages Genesis Esther Daniel Philippians James Complete Discipleship Topics