Your illness gives you the ability to share of God’s faithfulness. Karlton explains.
“He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things'” (Luke 24: 46-48).
Did you know that Jesus calls people in all occupations and from every walk of life to become His disciples? This wide variety of people from so many different places and differing lives each have the ability to reach people for Christ. These people can perhaps reach them in ways you and I cannot because of their experiences and backgrounds.
Yet on the other hand, you and I–those of us who have suffered and survived illness and disease–come from a particular walk of life that gives us the ability to reach ill and hurting people who others cannot fully relate to.
What can we do when we can barely leave our sick beds or step outside of our houses? I believe we can do something for Christ, whether we can climb out of our bed, or are rarely able to get out into the wide world.
We can witness about the goodness of God, even in our affliction.
You see a wealthy preacher on television with excellent health, and no problems to speak of. He can promise lots of things to ill people, but he has no idea what they are actually going through, and perhaps has very little empathy for something he little understands.
However, you and I understand. We can empathize, and we can encourage people to place their faith in Christ because we know what it means to have His help and comfort in our affliction.
You are a powerful witness as a survivor of affliction. Take that power and witness to others who are downcast and hurting. Nothing is more fruitful than that.
You can do something that not everyone can do, you can reach people who are hurting because you know what pain and suffering feels like. You know how meaningful it is to feel the peace and presence of Jesus in your Afflictions.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to always lift Your name high, even when we are feeling very low. Amen.
About the Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He does not like to think about where he would be without Jesus. But because of Jesus he has survived many years of illness and disease, and he gives the credit for his survival to Jesus.
Do you feel that you have little to offer the kingdom of God? Why not tell others about how Jesus has helped you through your difficulties?
God doesn’t ask us to be perfect or to do it all, but ether to be open to His promptings to do as He asks. When we are in the midst of suffering, it is especially hard to reach out to others, however, as Jeremy Camp sings in this song, “I am Willing” it is when we let God use us, miracles occur. Hugs. -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 