I love those that are brutally and refreshingly honest about themselves.
Many years ago, a friend giddily clapped her hands after seeing someone trip and fall in a manner that was probably not the most flattering. “I never thought that moment would come for him…that he’d fall like that. That went the perfect image I have of him…and it makes me feel good!” Then she turned to me and said, “You too. The other day when I saw you mess up, I was happy and relieved. You’re not perfect after all!”
The fact that we would delight in others’ mishaps is a secret we will never admit to anyone. Our insecurity longs to see others, especially those that seem to be doing well, fall flat on their faces.
“There was once a man of valor, a high-ranking officer of a great nation, who had led his army to win many battles. He was admired by all, especially the king.”
Should I continue? So far this story is dry and uninspiring. Who wants to read about someone who has never faced defeat? Who can relate to such a person?
Now there comes the conjunction but as we hold our breath waiting to see what is going to happen next.
“But, this great warrior had a skin disease.” (2 Kings 5:1)
Oh, boy, what a pity! I genuinely felt bad for him.
Write down your greatest accomplishments and all the accolades you’ve received. Then add the word “BUT” and end with your biggest problem.
Let me make up some examples to demonstrate what I mean.
Mandy, a mother of beautiful twin girls, is well-liked by all of her friends and relatives. She enjoys a loving marriage with her husband who is a brain surgeon in a renowned hospital. Together they have given their time and money to help children in war-torn countries. BUT, Mandy has suffered from multiple sclerosis and has not been able to walk without help.
Jack, a winning coach and a father of five, has led scores of youngsters to the state finals. He was highly sought after as a coach and as a motivational speaker. BUT, Jack has recently become a single dad after his wife suddenly died in a freak accident.
How are you doing with your own story?
The word “BUT” led to a drastic transition in Naaman’s story as it revealed a shameful skin condition. It was probably the biggest gossip whirling around this ancient Syrian army – one of their greatest generals was an inflicted, desperate leper.
There is a leper in each one of us. Along the road to reach our full potential, our Achilles heel would cause setbacks to expose our weaknesses. However, if it weren’t for Naaman’s leprosy, no one would have ever heard of him. There will always be great generals, but never a general with an incurable disease. We are all endowed with incredible gifts from our Creator, yet our story will not inspire or leave a legacy without a proper response to troubles and setbacks.
The devil loves to taunt us and hit us where it hurt most. “Haha, you have leprosy. Everyone is talking about you and laughing at you.”
Here come the best comeback lines I know.
“Tell me something I don’t know, Devil. Yes, I have leprosy. Yes, everyone might be talking about it and laughing at me for it. So what?” You smile and continue, “This leprosy is going to give me a great story to tell because I am turning it over to Jesus, whom you hate and can’t stand. He will do whatever He wants with my leprosy to glorify His name. You’ve got nothing on me.”
Without faith, leprosy is just a hopeless disease and a reason for a pity party. On the other hand, when we believe in a God who is our Father, Lord, and a constant companion, leprosy is no longer a disease but a catalyst for radically changed lives.
“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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)