We recently talked about wanting to serve the LORD from where we are at: usually for us it's from our bed or recliner.
But being faithful and serving God has nothing to do with our state of health. It's a state of heart. The desire for godliness and holiness should still be there regardless of chronic illness.
I have found that the majority of sick Christians still want to serve God but feel that they have nothing to offer Him. They feel they cannot serve because of physical limitations.
This is not true. A faithful servant of God is one who loves God with her whole heart. She turns to Him for her daily survival in a physical world full of tribulation. And she longs to be used of her LORD.
The good news is: we can still be used of the LORD.
With physical limitations comes more time on our hands, time that can be used to influence others.
This influence can be from the confines of our bedroom, hospital room, wheel chair, walker, or doctors' waiting room. We can bring Jesus into the same places others occupy.
When we walk through the door even while leaning on a walking stick or crutches, we can still bring Jesus to others. Make no mistake, they will be watching.
Pray for opportunities to talk about Christ and the hope that is within you. Be a blessing by being aglow with the Spirit and let others see that you indeed have Something that they want!
If we can show that in spite of our outward appearance, we have Something worth having, people will be attracted to us regardless.
Over the years, I have been in hospital- in traction for two weeks at a time, and I made an effort to pray for the nurses, cleaners, people who came with meals, physiotherapists and people who shared a room with me.
Goodness knows, I had plenty of time to pray. And though my prayers were for the most part silent, I believe that people responded to them without even knowing it. They liked being around me. But it was the Holy Spirit that was the attractive part. And He made me smile so much that I was nicknamed "Smiley"
So, you can sow seeds wherever you go- however you get there. And if you no longer leave your home for appointments or whatever, you can still hold people up in prayer from your home.
Bed is a wonderful place to pray and prayer is the best way you can serve God. Prayer opens up doors for opportunity to grow, to trust, to care, to love and to find paths to witness for Christ. Service is totally possible.
Nowhere in life is there a place where you cannot serve God by praying. So start worshiping and praying Blanket Prayers if you are bed bound, and read or listen to the Word. You can always do something for Jesus.
Let your bed lamp shine!
© Glenys Robyn Hicks
Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you. 1 Timothy 4:14a
And i heard of a bedridden woman who made or just wrote in cards, personalizing each one with an encouraging message about giving your troubles to Christ. Thanks, Smiley!
ReplyDeleteI think encouraging others is a ministry! She had the right idea! thanks for having a cuppa with me today, Janine. Blessings from Smiley! hahaha
DeleteGlenys, it is so true, even when bed ridden or home bound, we can still pray or write cards. We never know what God will do when we offer these up before His throne. And I love that you were nicknamed "Smiley", that in itself is such a testimony of the joy God brings in difficulties. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteEven in our most troubled times, and indeed, particularly during them, God is with us. Be blessed, Joanne and thanks for sharing a cuppa with me today!
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