Disabilities; how they drive us (all) to God and how, in a very mysterious way, they reveal him.

In 1996 the World Health Organization estimated that 10 to 11% of the world?s population has a disability, up to 600 million.
World Health Organization. Declining Resources for Rehabilitation: A Matter of Concern. January 30, 1996

If we were to place these 600 to 650 million people together, they would comprise the world?s third largest nation with the highest rates of homelessness, joblessness, divorce, abuse, and suicide.
World Health Organization. Declining Resources for Rehabilitation

I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations? At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size?abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 MSG

Christ is God's ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one. Human wisdom is so tinny, so impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God. Human strength can't begin to compete with God's weakness.
I Cor 3:23-31 MSG

Video clip used at the beginning of this message
cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/23/earlyshow/main1339324.shtml
The story of Jason McElwain (from CBS news)

Video clip used at the end of this message
cjcphoto.com/can/