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
You are such an inspiration and encourager Kathleen. May the Lord plant many others like you in His mission field of mercy and grace.
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.