Disability Through God's Eyes
I was born with a chronic and progressive disability, known in 1971 as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. This disease would leave me severely contracted in every joint, in constant pain, and wheelchair dependent for life. I was a happy baby and child. When people inquired as to how one could "be in my condition" yet positive and joyous, I told them, "it's just within me." I couldn't go outside and interact with kids in the ways other kids could. Yet, I never once felt slighted or like I was missing out on anything.
In first grade, my dad enrolled me in "religious instruction" through the local Catholic church. It was then that I knew why I was so happy and content in life, God. I didn't understand Him in His fullness (many adults never get even close!), For Christmas that year (1979), all I asked for was a Bible - and I got it! I was thrilled. I would ultimately attend Catholic School in Ilion, NY. There was a church on campus, and I would sneak over just to spend as much time in "God's House" as I could. I felt peace, contentment, joy, and a sense of His presence every moment I spent there.
I grew older and, though I behaved in many rotten ways most kids and young adults do, I have never forgotten my Father nor His Son and all He had done for me.
In 2004, He called me to the ministry, and I pastored a house church until I moved last year (June 2011). I love the pulpit, and am finding this blog, the streets I travel in my chair, and everywhere I find myself day to day to be my pulpit! I am seeking a church to pastor, but God has me preaching, teaching, and evangelizing in new ways daily. He will use me in any and every way He can(and I welcome the challenge)!
I have met many with disabilities of all types over the years. Being a disabled Christian and pastor has been both rewarding and a source of question and curiosity from others (believers and non believers alike).
I began to go to the Scriptures to see what God had to say on the subject.
There are 2 people who come immediately to mind who dealt with infirmities (disability) in the Scriptures.
Galatians 6:11,
"11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand." (Paul had eye trouble)
1Timothy 5:23,
"23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." (Timothy had stomach troubles, perhaps ulcers).
As I get older, my eyes get worse, and the print size in my Bible is upsized. I am blind in my left eye, and still manage to do as He leads!
How did (and still does all too often) men view the disabled?
John 9:2-3,
"2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."
This makes me chuckle every time I read it. Even today, as in Jesus' time, people assume you are cursed if you have a disability. Many today even advocate murder in the mother's womb if the unborn child may be disabled.
What does God say regarding the disabled?
Exodus4:10-11,
"10 And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.11 And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?"
Yes, even disabled and the sick were made by God. Though He would rather His created did not suffer, we do. God is neither ignorant about our sufferings nor is He uncompassionate. In this account, Moses was telling God of his weaknesses and God kept telling him, "Moses, I created you with your shortcomings, and I am giving you a task to do. I will be your strength where you are weak!"
1 Samuel 16:7,
"7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
People are imperfect, thus, they will see the person's exterior and make a snap judgment on what another must be like. I am blessed to know that God looks inside a man, for there is often a big heart inside the weakest and lowliest of people!
How should people treat and respond to the disabled?
Luke 14:12-13,
"12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. 13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:"
This is awesome! The poor and sick often feel alienated from healthy society, so it would be a great blessing and ministry to invite someone in need to your home and your table. While I advocate helping the poor and disabled, I would encourage you to invite anyone to your feast. What a great opportunity to fellowship and share the Gospel!
Is God partial toward the disabled?
Colossians 3:25,
"25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."
Romans 2:11,
"11 For there is no respect of persons with God"
Romans 3:10-11, 23,
"10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Ok, guys I know this sounds on the surface tough! But God looks at ALL men equally. Apart from God, we are doomed. ALL men are ALL unrighteous ALL of the time, therefore we ALL need the Saviour to save us from our sin-sickness. ALL of us sin and fall short.
God tells us, as disabled people, what we ought to do.
James 5:13-16,
"13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
We need to pray daily for ourselves and each other. We all suffer in some way at some point(s) in life. Prayers of the faithful for the faithful are the greatest "medicine" for our infirmities! The Bible even states prayer is the greatest weapon in the Christian's arsenal (armor of God, Ephesians 6).
What can those who suffer expect?
1 Peter 5:10,
"10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."
The thing is, God has not left us. Those who are disabled are not disconnected from God. He loves us and wants to guide, love and use us! We can, even in our suffering, be of service to Him and the kingdom. On my worst day, physically or mentally, nothing brings me peace apart from knowing God is at my side. I know He is with me and He cares for me. And you know what? He cares for all of you, too!!!
If you are a disabled believer you will be under the care of the Great Physician forever! If you do not know Christ as your Saviour, call on Him today, right now. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and fill you with His Holy Spirit. Ask Him to guide you all the days of your life. May God Bless you as you seek Him and walk with Him through daily prayer and reading of His Word.....
Rev. Aaron M Mathews, Th.M.
June 14, 2012
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