As an online missionary for Global Media Outreach, most of my contacts are from overseas, but not all. A Christian man wrote from the Midwest. He said he was disabled and on disability. He wondered why he was still alive, and what could possibly be his purpose for living.
I wrote back: “As long as you have breath, you have life to live and to share. God can use you, even if you’re disabled. You can obviously send emails. Why not send an encouraging email to a friend? You could send a Bible verse—one that has blessed you. You could say, ‘I’m thinking about you today and wondering how you’re doing. I was encouraged by this Bible verse and I hope it blesses you.’ You might add, ‘I have time on my hands these days. Please let me know how I can pray for you.’
“Or, if you’re able to get out of the house you could volunteer in some capacity to help others in need. Perhaps you could simply read to them from God’s Word or listen to them and pray for them.”
He emailed a week later. “Thanks for your ideas. You’re right! I need to get my mind off myself and reach out to others. I have decided to take a hospice course to become a volunteer hospice worker.
A few weeks later he wrote again: “I finished the hospice training and I have started working with hospice patients. Thanks for encouraging me. I LOVE what I’m doing! I know God is using me.”
- Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
- For more information on Global Media Outreach: www.godlife.com
- and especially: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHjNBWxjLG0
- SONG: THE PARALYTIC – Words from Mark 2:3, 5-12; Music by Kathleen
“I need to get my mind off myself and reach out to help others.” Isn’t that the answer to so many of our problems! Thanks for sharing this Kathleen… and for helping this man find his purpose!
Amen! It sure is, Karen! Thanks for stopping by!
You are such an inspiration and encourager Kathleen. May the Lord plant many others like you in His mission field of mercy and grace.
Thank you! That is the goal of this blog, to encourage and to inspire.
Encouraging post Kathleen! Thanks for sharing. Very true, when we move focus away from ourselves, we can be a good steward and serve others with our gifts.
Indeed! It’s imperative to focus on others, and not ourselves, if we are going to serve God.
great advice to this man – you are once again spot on! God bless
Thank you Mark! The best part is that he took the initiative and moved on it. I’m happy for him and the work he is now doing for the Lord.
I was forced to take early retirement as a result of a disability so I can relate to your contact in the Midwest. Your advice would have served me well in the beginning.
Thank you Janet. I’m sorry to learn of your disability, but I know God can and will use you in your situation.
Reading with the elderly or disabled can be such a “traveling joy”. They leave their same old surroundings for different places, people or plots. I have even seen those with oncoming dementia rally to a story and its fine or funny nuances. Great springboard also for sharing faith and Jesus…Doug
Thank you Doug! Yes, it can bring great joy to see their responses to God’s truths. And to listen! Even those with oncoming dementia still have life to share!
There are so many disabled who feel this way. They need to read these words. There are certainly ways they can be truly significant!
Thank you! I so agree.
I Praise Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua as HE SAVED my life more than once!
I wan Born with my Sternum Fused too my Back bone, my Birth Defect is called “Pectus Excavatum“. My Entire Rib cage was rebuilt and I have Stainless Steel wires that hold my rib cage together. I have a Bad Ruptured disk in my Neck at C5-C6, and a very bad Ruptured disk in my Lower back that is pressing on two sides of my spinal cord, with not enough room for the nerves too go through it, its located at L4-L5!!
Praise Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua for this man who knows our SAVIOUR / MESSIAH / LORD / KING!!
Love Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
You have a remarkable story, Kristi Ann! Moreover, you are living proof that God can use us even with our handicaps—for His purpose and glory! Thank you for sharing!
Awe Thanks so much Sister in Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua Kathleen!!
I agree with you!! When I am about out around where I live I always Smile, if People ask why I smile so much, I say Jesus-Yeshua Saved my life and HE Loves You and I and Everyone!!
May our ONE TRUE GOD THE HEAVENLY FATHER who art in Heaven Above Bless all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus-Yeshua and Your Families and Friends!!
Love 💕 Always and Shalom, YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann