Barry Abernathy is the banjo player for the “New Grass” group Mountain Heart.  He won the 1997 Banjo Player of the Year from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America.  What sets him apart from so many other musicians?  Abernathy was born without fingers on his left hand.  As the group’s web site puts it, the way he can play banjo “defies logic.”  I guess so.  Being one with all ten digits currently in perfect working order and unable to play a single note on any stringed instrument, I am amazed.  My banjo playing friends no doubt share my awe of such determination and talent.Do you face disadvantages in life?  Do you have problems?  If you are human, your answer to both questions is “yes.”  There is nothing unique about that.  It goes along with life on this earth in these bodies of ours.  Do you want a special pass or to be excused because you struggle?  Think about the Barry Abernathys of this world.  He apparently asked no one for sympathy, handouts, or pity.  Of all people who should have the ability to overcome, shouldn’t those of us in Christ have tenacity and the ability to endure?  Whenever difficulty strikes–and it will!–what will you do?  Will you whimper and whine?  Or will you find within yourself the strength to overcome?  Our faith (1 John 5:4) and Christ’s resurrection (1 Cor. 15:57) should make all the difference in whether or not we ultimately succeed!  Don’t let life’s hardships defeat you.  Draw on His strength (Phil. 4:13) and show others the difference He makes in how you face life’s challenges.