My first encounter with Nick Vujicic was through one of his sensational YouTube clips. The clip showcases some of Nick’s hobbies such as playing golf and soccer, sky diving, surfing. All these things you’d expect from an ‘able’ person was being performed by a ‘disable’ person – a young man with no arms and legs.

This is a remarkable feat of itself, but what impressed me most was his compelling sense of joy and peace in his life. I kept questioning myself, “Where does his conviction and confidence come from?”

Recently, Nick Vujicic visited my home country South Korea. He appeared on a popular TV show called “Healing Camp” which was broadcasted nation-wide. As I watching the show, I had difficulty holding back my tears. I was blessed to see Nick planting the seeds of hope, love, and truth to many young Koreans who had no real purpose and meaning in life. Check out this short video where Nick shares his message of hope to the young Korean generation.

After the show, I couldn’t hide my ambivalent feelings. On one hand, I was inspired and motivated to live a life of love, hope, and truth. On the other hand, I felt embarrassed and sober-minded. I looked back in my life and asked myself if I had the courage and intentionality to live a life that honors God.

Here are four inspiring life lessons all of us can learn from Nick Vujicic’s life story.

1. Faith in action transforms your life.

Nick Vujicic says his parents are Serbian. He was born and raised in Australia and now lives in United States; but, he’s a citizen of Heaven. Nick said, “I’m not jealous of anyone having arms or legs because I’ve got something much more, which is faith in Jesus Christ … He will carry me when I cannot walk.” This sounds unfathomable for many of us, but Nick’s confidence comes from knowing his ‘why’ in life – rooted in his identity in Christ.

Everything he does is an outgrowth of his mission which is to be the best witness of God’s Love and Hope. His faith in action has been an imperishable fuel that ignited his new vocation as an ambassador of Christ.

How is your faith transforming your life? 

2. Don’t let circumstances prevent you from living intentionally.

Too often we allow circumstances to define who we are. The life of Nick Vujicic calls us to steward our lives – that is, to live intentionally. Imagine the sheer harassment and torment he had to weather through living his life. Nick refused to let physical limitations hold him back. Nick says he has discovered the power to take control of his life. Today, he snorkels, golfs, surfs. He has traveled over 44 countries with his message of hope.

Theologian William Barclay said, “the greatest two days in anyone’s life [are] the day you were born and the day you knew why,” Many may feel the former has been a curse to Nick, but in fact, Nick has been transformed once he discovered his “why” in life. This revelation from God helped Nick live an intentional life, living every moment with kingdom impact, stewarding his gifts, talents, resources, and opportunities as a response to His calling in his life.

Are you allowing circumstances to prevent you from living intentionally?

3. Do not take things for granted.

So many of us take things in our life for granted. The forgetfulness is real and insidious in which we easily lose our perspective of what is really important in our lives. Learning about Nick Vujicic has helped me better appreciate what I have instead of complaining about what I lack. This is such a common epidemic we see in our world; always comparing yourself with the better. Nick early on in his life achieved the seemingly impossible. He has learned to be independent and take care of all his personal needs. He can do everything from brushing his teeth, combing his hair, clothing, taking care of personal hygiene and even shaving. He moves around the house by jumping around and, outside the house, he has an electric wheelchair.

What are things you’ve been taking granted in life?

4. You cannot do it all alone.

Despite Nick’s physical limitations and unfavorable circumstances, God has blessed him with enormous success and influence early on his life. Nick says that everything has been a grace and gift from God. Particularly, He has been a beneficiary of a supportive and encouraging network of family, friends, and mentors. His parents taught Nick to become independent. They showered him with God’s Scripture. They spoke affirming and encouraging words which became daily sustenance for Nick’s hurtful childhood.  Also, Nick has been influenced by Billy Graham who has been his “evangelistic role model.” Nick says, “Billy Graham helped me to make sure that my priorities are right..that faith and family come first.”