Answers

By   •   March 31, 2006   •   Topics:

Q:

I know we're supposed to try to help others as Christians, but I'm in a wheelchair and can't get out very much, and it's all I can do just to take care of myself. Will God understand this, or does He still expect me to do things for others, like the Bible says?


A:

God knows your situation, and He knows what you can and can’t do. He doesn’t expect any of us to do what we can’t do; He only wants us to do what we can–with His help.

Some of God’s choicest servants over the centuries have been those who struggled with limitations and disabilities. I think of Fanny Crosby, for example, who lost her sight when she was only 6 weeks old because of a medical error. She could have spent her life in bitterness and defeat–but instead, she gave her life to Christ and wrote hundreds of hymns, many of which still bless us today.

Or think of the Apostle Paul. He was often in pain from some kind of chronic malady; he also was confined to prison for years because of his faith, and unable to preach. But his example of faith and courage made a deep impact on others, and from prison he wrote, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12).

Ask God to help you be a witness for Christ right where you are. Perhaps you can’t do everything others do–but you’ll be a witness to them by your attitude and your love. And never forget: If you know Christ, someday all the limitations of this life will be over, and you can say with the Psalmist, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).