How should we respond to physical “defects”?

From the width of a person’s smile, to the texture of his hair, to the length of his nose, many people struggle with accepting God’s design. God has created each of us with unique features. How should we respond to what we perceive as “defects”?

1. Correct defects, if possible.

Sometimes we can take steps to resolve an issue that is causing frustration in our lives or that is distracting to others. For example, if your hair is naturally “hard to manage,” invest the time and care needed to maintain a neat, attractive appearance. If you have a physical condition that requires treatment, seek the help you need.

2. Exercise the prayer of faith.

Bring the situation to God in prayer. Faith is not “twisting God’s arm” to do what we think is best. Faith discerns and visualizes what God intends to do and then acts according to His direction. Pray and act in harmony with the discernment God gives you.

3. Glory in unchangeable “defects.”

Sometimes a defect cannot be removed or resolved. In those situations, remember that God works through unchangeables to motivate us to depend upon Him. The Apostle Paul spoke of a “thorn in the flesh” that God allowed in his life in order to demonstrate the sufficiency of God’s grace. In response to Paul’s prayers for deliverance from that thorn in his flesh, God answered, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9).

In response, Paul concluded, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (II Corinthians 12:9–10).

Regard defects as God’s marks of ownership on your life. Let them be reminders that you belong to Him, and receive them as motivations to develop Godly character qualities, such as faith and humility. You are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), and you are the apple of His eye. (See Psalm 17:8 and Zechariah 2:8.)

Let us believe God’s Word, seek Him wholeheartedly, and rejoice in His design. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you …” (Jeremiah 29:11–14).