No one likes the weaknesses we see in ourselves. Physical problems sap our energy as we soldier on despite aches and pains. Issues with our bodies arise from accidents or aging. But sometimes the results of a rash act when we’re young never fades away.

Saul, later to become Paul, inherited a lifetime malady due to his hatred of those following Jesus. Here’s how it all started: Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

On that road to Damascus Saul met Jesus, who knocked him to the ground and struck him blind. Three days later the Lord sent Ananias, a brave Christ-follower, to give Saul a message and restore his sight. We’re told that something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight.

Paul never looked back. After meeting Jesus he spent the rest of his life preaching and writing and starting churches. But his eyesight remained poor. He complained about it, spoke of a thorn in the flesh, and often dictated his teachings to a scribe.

There is no mention of Paul’s bad eyes before his conversion. I’m guessing those scales caused lasting damage. He could see, but not as before. I believe God left scratches to remind Saul of beating all those innocent people. Paul carried these scars to his death, a reminder of a life now infused with God’s unearned goodness. Paul now trusted God for the power to go on, rather than his own gifts and abilities.

Our weaknesses remind us of our need for God as well. We endure, and our deficiencies point others to the Lord and thus advance his kingdom. Eyes may dim, hips may give out, cancers may grow. But through it all we can be honest about how we feel, and still speak of the goodness of the Lord. Complain and move on. That’s how Paul dealt with his affliction. I’m thinking I can do the same.

Acts 9:1-18

Photo by Tom Morbey