Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Nick Vujicic: From a life without limbs to a life without limits

30 years ago, in the land down under, a child without limbs was born. No one could explain what happened to him. Even the best doctors in town could not tell why he did not have arms and legs. Nonetheless, he lived.

At 10 years old, he tried to take his own life by drowning himself in a bathtub. Yet just as he was about to take his last breath, an image popped into his mind: his parents and siblings were crying on his grave. He thought of his mom and dad who insulated him from the pain of being 'different' yet did not isolate him from the joy of normal living. He thought of his brother and sister who never left his side through all the ups and downs. He woke up, got up, and lived.

Nick Vujicic speaks before thousands in the Big Dome on Monday
Today, Nick Vujicic has been inspiring thousands of people around the world. He has been touring from continents to continents to share how living a life without limbs transformed into a life without limits. Over the weekend, he shared his story to the Philippines.

"As a Christian, you are not immune to ups and downs," he said. He stressed on the need to have an unstoppable faith in God, and believe in what he has in store for us, in order to endure the pains of the world and surpass obstacles. He also said that while it is fine to look up to preachers, motivators, and celebrities as idols, we must not forget that there is only one Christ we must look up to. He said, "When it comes to example of how we should live, how we should serve, Jesus Christ is the only one we should look up to." Everything and everyone else come secondary. He urged everyone to bear in mind what the song of Psalms say, in times of doubt and unbelief: The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

Vujicic highlighted the importance of focusing our gaze on Christ through the story of Peter when he walked on water. The Gospel of Matthew said Peter was able to walk on water for some time. The apostle got out of the boat, stepped on the sea, and walked on the waves towards Jesus. But when he noticed the waves and the wind, doubt and fear crept in; therefore, he sank. Vujicic said if we are not going to keep our eye on Christ, we will also submerge into the sea of fear and uncertainty.

Vujicic also called on everyone to offer their all to Christ and give Him the key to their house to prevent the evil’s attacks. Homes where Christ dwells in are spared from the devil’s assault. "Give the key to your house to Jesus. He will never outchange you," he exclaimed. Vujicic likewise advised servants to prioritize their families over their ministries. And for those who are in pain, he said, "When brokenness is upon you, hold on to the truth. And the truth will set you free."

Vujicic may have physical lacks, but he did not allow them to prevent him from living the life of a fully able human. In fact, he used those "lacks" in his advantage: he allowed Jesus' light to shine through him. As he said, "Whatever broken pieces you have, if you turn them up to God, He will transform it into an unimaginable beauty."

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