“I am a miracle”. That was the message of New York Times best-selling author Nick Vujicic on “Thursday, March 7, 2013 in Roy.
Nick Vujicic is an Australian native and was born without legs without any medical reasons. He is the author of the books “UNSTOPPABLE” and “Life without Limits, Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life”
Nick Vujicic visited Utah from March 7-9. He was invited by Utah Governor Herbert to speak against bullying in several schools. He’s March 7 address was recorded and televised to other schools.
He also presented his testimony on the evenings at Roy High School, Valley University and Jordan High School. Those Evenings were organized by the organization “Standing Together”. Standing Together seeks to be a catalyst for uniting the Utah Christian community through relational efforts of prayer, worship, and strategic evangelism”. This mission statement was taken from their website. In other words 67 supporting churches and ministries supported that event.
Tickets were given away for free. Since I wasn’t able to get a ticket anymore I volunteered as an Usher for the Organization: “People for Christ.”
It is hard to sum Nick’s message up in a few words. One has to see Nick live in order to experience his joy, his faith and his humor.
I was a little hesitant to go to this event since I prejudged Nick ahead of time. I thought he would tell us that he lives OK despite his disabilities. I expected to cry and to feel sorry for him. Instead Nick made me laugh. Nick brought his message of encouragement without condemnation with confidence and joy, that one can only get from God.
He told us three stories.
Story 1: Nick grew up in the church. He was searching for his purpose.. He truly believed that he can’t do anything since he doesn’t have limbs. At age 10 he attempted to drown himself in the bathtub. As he turned the third time around he decided that he didn’t want to upset his parents with a suicide and stopped.
At age 15 Nick Vujicic found the answer for his disabilities in the bible in John 9:1-3 . That passage changed his life. When Jesus was asked about a blind man in the street Jesus said: “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” Nick started believing then: “Philippians 4:13: “I Can Do All Things through Christ Who Strengthens Me“. Nick has graduated from college. He has toured the world. He has shown God’s glory in countless speaking engagements. He is married and has a son. He went on Oprah. He speaks to politicians… Nick is a miracle.
Story 2: Nick visited a church one day and at this church he saw a baby with the same conditions as he did. Nick was thrilled that he could be an inspiration for someone like him. He went to this boy’s school later and spoke about bullying. This kid is according to Nick now the coolest guy in his school and doesn’t have to endure the bullying Nick endured growing up. He was able to tell the little fellow that it is not good listening to the world, who will tell him that he is some sort of mistake. The bible says in Psalm 139:14; “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full.”
Story 3: Nick went to Africa. In a small cottage was a woman with a lot a lot of agony and pain. She also couldn’t walk. He was told that they would believe in his God if the woman could walk again. Nick didn’t know what to do. He started praying and praying with little faith, since he knew he has prayed for his legs for years. All over sudden the woman tried to stand up. Nick tried to stop her, saying he isn’t done praying, when the woman started walking. On the way to the plane he was told that this woman was responsible for a lot of pain and sorrow in the area (I am not sure if I understood him right.) Nick then mentioned that the verse John 3:16 comes to mind: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life“
Nick Vujicic told us that he is a firm believer in miracles. He still has shoes waiting in his closet in case God will give him limbs. However he assured us, that the fact that he is here speaking to us is a miracle itself.
After the event I waited in line to talk to Nick. I wanted to see if he is for real. As I gave him a gentle hug I looked straight in his eyes. He’s eyes sparkled with life and joy. He’s smile was tired but real.
I was inspired. I am asking myself what I can do to inspire people in the way Nick Vujicic does…