3-13-10 “Christian Disabilities”

Mountain View
By Pam Payne

Christian Disabilities

I love Bible study. I love how Scripture can all of a sudden come alive, jump off the page and settle its truth in my heart. I love that it is God breathed, that is speaks to the true nature of our God, and that it is used for His glory.

One of my favorite Bible teachers is Beth Moore. Perhaps I relate to her because she is from the Midwest, as I am, or the fact that she now lives in Texas, which is where some of my favorite family also lives. Maybe it's the simple truth that she makes she laugh. But whatever the reason, God has used her ministry in my life.

I have recently found myself in the midst of some changes that have been difficult for me. I always knew that menopause would be a part of my future, but I never knew that it would challenge me both physically and mentally. I was prepared for the physical part, but the mental issues took me by surprise. So when Beth Moore shared in one of her studies about the disabilities that we have as Christians, I felt like her teaching was written just for me.

The first one she spoke about was, Attention Deficit. This is Christians have trouble paying attention to God, or when our attention is fleeting. When we are in the middle of a difficult trial, and we need him, we have no trouble asking for his help, but when the crisis is over, God is often forgotten. An example of this in Scripture comes from Nehemiah 9: 30-31 and Isaiah 43: 20-22:

The next one is Hyperactivity. This happens when we get so busy we tell ourselves we just don’t have the time for God. We fill our days with tasks and all that the world throws our way, and make that an excuse. The truth is, all God really desires from us in our busy day is to, “Be Still.” (Psalm 46:10-11) The Hebrew meaning of the word “still” in that Scripture is, "Let down the hands." Just thinking about that has a calming effect on me.

The third issue she spoke about she called, Dyslexia. This is when we get things turned around or upside down. (Isa. 29:16-17, 64:8, Job 38:2-13, 16-21) This happens when we decide to take charge of our own life, instead of allowing God to be in charge. We simply push through the days and make choices, never considering what God wants. I am grieved sometimes thinking about all the decisions I have made without even a thought of consulting the one who gave me life.

The next one is what Beth called, Vision Impairment. This one spoke to me personally because of the many issues I am having with my eyes right now, and this happens when, as Christians, we only see what is in front of us, and not what God is doing on our behalf that we cannot see. (Prov. 29:18) This is where our Faith shows its true colors.

The last one she spoke about she called, “Hearing impairment.” This happens after God first speaks to us like a gentle and loving Father and then we either, do not listen, or simply choose to disobey. God is then forced to use the disciplinary voice of a discerning Father in order to get our attention. Unfortunately, it is often in the midst of our difficult trials that we finally hear Him and say, “Okay, I surrender. You have my attention now. (Isa. 50:4-5)

I share this because I believe these struggles are common among Christians living in a world where sin surrounds us. But in acknowledging them, I also bring a repentant heart and ask God for forgiveness because it is my true desire to honor Him in all that I do, and give Him the praise and glory that are His alone.

The good news is that God knows what our struggles and challenges will be even before we do, and that He is a forgiving and patient Father. He will call us. But then, he will also wait.

Pam Payne is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org