The Northern New England Presbytery of the PCA recently hosted a conference entitled "Disability and the Gospel." Joni Eareckson Tada joined the event via video feed in which she commended all in attendance to take up the cause of graciously and completely including those struggling with disabilities within the full life of our churches. Less than two weeks later Joni herself underwent surgery for cancer - her second time around. She gave an interview to John Stonestreet in which they discussed what John describes as the "eternal potential of suffering." The difficulties we all face now are somehow preparing us for life in a future world without trials. John's conclusion is that we will all profit the most from afflictions when we are willing to treat others with different frailties as fellow heirs of the covenant. Amen to that!
John Stonestreet Column
What a peach! :-) Joni is an amazing example of what it means to be content in your circumstances. Yes she has had her down times but for goodness sake what she has had to endure in her life time. What a blessing, what an example she sets for us. In my life I only suffered small physical difficulties and how easily I have complained, I can't even in a small way imagine how hard her life has been yet she is more joyful than myself. She loves the Lord so much, this is a great reminder that life here is temporal, lets find good in everything knowing that God has something truly amazing waiting for us when we are finished with the trials and tests of this life. May we go home not as one just walking the bases but sliding in from a homerun so our Father in heaven can say "Well done my child". Amen! Debbi
ReplyDeleteGreat comment, and I especially liked your baseball analogy. :)
ReplyDelete"Musings from an Erstwhile Judge again Preaching to the Choir"
ReplyDeleteEven though I had worked with high school students with disabilities, I was judgmental of my grandchildren when I sat in Sunday school and watched them tear up the flannel board; and I pitied the teacher and her husband who appeared, with me, helpless in the situation. Then came in a little boy who cried nonstop because he didn't want to be there!
This all hits me in the face, as well as in the heart, as I adjust with much prayer and pain to the challenging reality of two grandchildren on the autism spectrum. How will the Lord lead me and His church in loving my grandchildren and others like them? We provide for young children to leave the service for Children's church because we believe this optimumly serves their needs. They come to us at the discretion of their parents and we get to see them grow in their ability to attend to the teaching and to learn. How will I prepare myself in the love of Christ to truly provide for all who will come in?
The "Disability and the Gospel" conference was a beginning for many of us (17 from EPC, 140 in all) to see disability and suffering as opportunities to ask the question Pastor has been asking: "What is God doing here?" and "What is God asking of us?"
If God doesn't make mistakes- and of course He does not-if "His hands made me and fashioned me"- this is His Word, if I can never be anywhere where He is not- also His Word; then He is in this suffering as well, suffering that is for "the glory of God." Then it behooves us to "prepare Him room" -(as it says in the Carol "Joy to the World the Lord is Come."), by figuring out how best to love and welcome our neighbors, even those with disabilities.
I am so grateful to God that He and my church have welcomed me and others more apparently challenged.
My prayer is for Him to grow me personally, and the church as well,in this grace with knowledge and discretion in obeying Him in this because we love Him.
Wouldn't we be blessed to be known as a church prepared and eager for this ministry?
God has used Joni, through her suffering, to open our eyes. Joni and Friends provides vision and training. Our missionaries, the Grottons see persons with disabilities with their families and another "frontier" for the church...while "we're marching to Zion."
Because of His love.