The Blessings of God

Yesterday, I set forth the biblical principle that God blesses us in times of adversity. “You have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 1:6-7). I know the context of Peter’s words has to do with suffering for the faith, but I believe the principle still applies. God, in part, allows various trials to befall us so that our faith may be strengthened. I know for a fact my life has been strengthened by my disability, and I want to tell you how. I want you to know that regardless of your struggle, God can use that struggle for His glory and His purpose.

Today, I want to write about physical things my disability has given me. It may seem odd that a physical disability can give me physical blessings, but these blessings are ones which shall not last in eternity. The blessings I’ll share today are only for this world.

• I’m able to write more. I’ve always wanted to be a full-time writer. I can remember our elementary school librarian showing us a filmstrip about writers. I thought that was the coolest job possible. Now, I get to write more. I’m prayerful that some of my work as a writer will pay dividends in eternity (I’m preparing to publish a book of sermons within the next month, and I’ve already published four books). I can’t write all the time, but I’m privileged to have some time where I can write.
• I’ve learned to swim. Swimming alleviates my pain and helps me more than anything else I do (I believe the swimming is more effective than many of the medications I take). I’ve grown to love swimming and do so as a hobby. I didn’t know how to swim before I became disabled (Mom and Dad never took me to swim lessons! [that’s sarcasm]). A kind lady tried to teach me the breaststroke, but I have trouble keeping my face in the water. Thus, I started doing the backstroke; many of the lifeguards have complimented me on my form – one even told me she thought I was at the gym more than she. I’m not going to Rio this summer, but I can swim quite well anymore.
• I’ve made some new friends. I’ve gotten to meet people and make friendships with people I would never have gotten to meet without my disability. I’ve made friends with the lifeguards and others at the pool. I’ve met other folks at the gym who constantly check on me and want to help in whatever way they can. Some of these people I would never have been privileged to meet were it not for my disability.

The Lord has blessed and is blessing me richly in my disability. Tomorrow, I want to talk about spiritual blessings he has given me, and, yes, they are legion. Until tomorrow, be blessed!