A Life with Purpose (Takeaways from Nick Vujicic's Limitless Possibilities)

“Just because I have no arms and legs, it doesn't mean I'm limited.”

- Nick Vujicic

Nicholas James Vujicic was born with a rare condition called Phocomelia, characterized by the absence of limbs. Yet this challenge never stopped him from becoming a world-renowned evangelist and motivational speaker. There is beauty in his brokenness—a powerful reminder that even in what seems like limitation, there is purpose.

On July 29, 2016, Nick visited the Philippines to share his story and inspire thousands through his event, “Limitless Possibilities.”  One of my closest friends and I were privileged to watch him live at the Araneta Coliseum during the afternoon session.

Nick began with the words “I'm just like you.” Such a simple statement, yet deeply profound. It bridges the gap between him and us—it reminds us that we all have our own struggles. We may not face physical disability, but we each carry weaknesses that can make us feel “less capable.” As Nick shared his life lessons and faith, several truths struck me deeply.

“There is no such thing as chance or coincidence,” Nick declared. God has our lives planned and set for His purpose. Nick, having no limbs, has lived his life according to how God has destined to use him for His glory. Nick has never let his circumstances become hindrances for him to fulfill his destiny. He emphasized that the way we handle our circumstances is just a matter of perspective. We can choose to complain or be thankful. We can choose to have FAITH or to have FEAR. He echoed a bible verse, faith is to believe in something we cannot see; and fear is simply False Evidence Appearing Real. “There is a greater purpose we cannot see,” Nick reminded us. Too often, we focus on our problems instead of our purposes, forgetting that “miracles could come from broken pieces.”

One of my favorite moments was when Nick asked, “Who is better to tell you your purpose and identity than the One who created you?” He also quoted a bible verse on the latter part of the program about the blind man whom Jesus healed, “Jesus answered, ‘Neither hath this man sinned nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.’” (John 9:3) Nick sees his condition the same way—an opportunity for God’s strength to shine through. With conviction, he urged us to try, to act courageously even when we’re afraid. He said, “Courage is not when you're not afraid. Courage is when YOU DO IT when you're not afraid.” It is a call for us to TRY, and to be not afraid to fail. And when we do fail, all we need to do is to get up and try again, try harder. And, we'll get better as we try harder.

“Many successful people start from zero.” Nick shared his story on how he has become a speaker. It started when a simple janitor in the school encouraged him to try to speak in front of students. It took three months of convincing and chasing by the janitor before Nick gave in and decided to give it a try. And when he did, a lot of people have been touched, moved, and blessed by his story and his faith. And as he tried to make motivational speaking his profession, he began calling schools to offer his service. He contacted them one by one, 52 schools rejected him. On his 53rd try, he finally got a “yes,” only to be paid $50 for a talk that cost him more to attend. Still, what seemed like failure became a stepping stone. As of this writing, Nick has received over 35,000 speaking invitations worldwide. His perseverance is a testament to how God turns small beginnings into extraordinary callings.

Nick reminded us that in whatever we do, we should do it with all of our hearts. For as long as our hearts, minds, and spirits yearn to do it, let us do it mightily one step at a time. Other people may discourage and criticize us but we should never let them derail us from the purposes we have in our lives. Quoting Nick, “Take off my tongue, take off my ears, strip off my nose, and burn my face; but they can't touch my spirit. They can't touch my heart. They can't touch my mind.”

If we don’t receive the miracle we want, perhaps we can be the miracle someone else needs. Nick’s life embodies this truth. The janitor who pushed him to speak changed his life forever—proof that even small acts of faith can create ripples of transformation. The janitor has made Nick realize his worth and how God can use him. Nick said, “When you find real hope on the truth of your value, on the truth of your purpose, that's when you become UNSTOPPABLE.” Sometimes, our greatest obstacle is ourselves. We must step aside, have faith, and let God move through us.

Nick ended his talk with a challenge: “And if I, without arms and legs, can reach out to be the hands and feet of love, of truth, and of faith, then we all can help someone.”

Nick Vujicic's message is very simple yet so powerful:

1) Know your purpose and identity.

2) Be not afraid to try to pursue your calling.

3) Failures and discouragements will come, but rise, try again, and try harder.

4) Help others as much we can.

It’s amazing how God can use one man without limbs to move millions toward faith, courage, and hope. As the crowd applauded and Nick said once more, “I'm just like you.” I realized the truth of his words. If Nick can, so can we.