Noriyuki was only 2 years old when a rare disease gripped his body. He developed spinal tuberculosis. He spent the next 9 years in the hospital.
At age 11, doctors had given up and told him he would never walk again. One doctor took a chance and fused four vertebrae in his spine. He did not know if it would work or not.
But Nuriyuki did learn to walk. He became an engineer but dreamed of becoming a comedian. After walking away from his job, he joined the Groundlings, an improv comedy group in Los Angeles.
Out of his disability, he found a unique ability. What crippled him gave him stamina.
Paul knew that. He had something that crippled him, a condition he hid under the moniker of “thorn in the flesh.” Prayer did not work to remove the pain. Instead, God told him how to grow strong.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
We find ourselves beaten to the ground only to believe we cannot rise. It is then that God extends his hand to lift.
What happened to Nuriyki? You may know him as an Oscar-nominated actor. Most know Nuriyuki Morita, also known as Pat to many as Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid.
Weakness shapes the strongest people. Will you let God shape you?
-Robert G. Taylor-
