The disciples were like many people today. They assumed human physical limitation was because of God’s judgment on mankind. We think our imperfections make us less valuable to God. He sees our weaknesses in a much different light. We feel devalued because our bodies do not work perfectly. God sees our perceived flaws as great opportunities to show His grace and mercy. He sees them as tools to help us realize our need for God and understand how great His love is towards those who believe. 

It took me far too long to learn this lesson! One day, I finally discovered God’s perspective on my limitations. My daughter was a hurdler, running for her high school track team. She did well and often won her races. One day, however, she hit a hurdle and fell flat on her face. The crowd gasped. She jumped up and ran even harder, almost catching the last place girl in that race. My heart soared with admiration for my daughter. Even though she finished last, it meant as much to me as the times she won. Why? Because she showed courage and did not give up. This is how God sees us. He is not nearly as concerned about whether we win or lose, or how perfect our performance is. He wants to see courage, genuine faith, and bold love. Our weaknesses are opportunities for Him to show His glory though us. Now, I can appreciate my weaknesses. They make me a real person and give God an opportunity to perform His mighty work through me.

Thank you, God, for my physical limitations. Thank you for using my weaknesses to show the world you are real. Give me the grace to accept my imperfections and let you turn them into avenues for your glory.

As He was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples questioned Him: "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man or his parents sinned," Jesus answered. "This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him." John 9:1-3 HCSB

Further reading: John 9