Psalm 119:67
Before I was afflicted I wandered,
but now I keep Your word.
2 corinthians 4:17
Our light affliction, which lasts but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us.
The last few weeks we have been discussing possible causes of disabilities. Today I want to look at the reality check that a disability may provide someone…or should I say “a God check”.
As you see in the above verse from Psalm 119 the author, who is believed to be King David, is grateful for his affliction. He gives credit to the suffering bringing him closer to the desires of God. Can you relate to this verse?
For me, My blindness never really seemed to affect my quality life or what some call my happiness gauge. My hearing loss on the other hand was a huge blow. I cannot say it directly led me to accepting the salvation of Jesus Christ, but it certainly left me looking for ways to find hope and promise in a better tomorrow.
When I gave my life to Christ I felt a sense of peace about all that I could not hear. Before I felt so cheated and just plain scared. I rely on my hearing so much since I cannot see. I could not hear birds sing for the longest time. I was afraid of losing the abilities to hear Ken or my kids’ voices. After cultivating my relationship with Christ I realize that all these earthly scars and fears will be forgotten in the internal glory of God we will experience in heaven. Just as it mentions in the two other verses above.
As hearing aid technology improves I am getting back some sounds such as bird songs. I still eagerly wait with anticipation the incredible hearing and seeing that will be mine in Heaven! I have always joked with my family that I have to put name tags on each of them, because I am afraid I will not recognize them…smiley…Clearly God has this little detail under control!
Let’s close with a quote from C.S. Lewis: “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain. It is his megaphone to arouse a deaf world.”
It is my prayer that if you have a disability, or perhaps a byproduct of having a disability, you give it completely to God. Just as David did in this Psalm. Allow smoething positive to come out of your affliction by learning what God has in store for you here on earth and in heaven! You are worth it!