Last night, while traveling, we visited a congregation in Georgia for Wednesday night Bible study. We were welcomed by a very kind man and we had a very good Bible study on Ephesians 6. After our Bible study, we were led in a song and then the invitation was offered by a man that we will never forget…
He had commented in class earlier and his comments were so insightful and really showed that he was a mature Christian who must spend lots of time in God’s word. I had already noticed that much from being a few pews behind him. As this sweet gentleman headed up the steps to the podium to speak to us, he was smiling and was carrying two things, a very large book and a walking stick. You see, the man I’m about to tell you about is blind.
He welcomed us and asked us to please follow along in our own Bibles. While turning in our Bibles he introduced his topic for the invitation. He was going to speak to us about “Counting the Costs or Are You Going to Settle”. He offered us a very good lesson filled with examples and scripture to make us think about what we are offering to our Lord as Christians. He ended his talk with a quote from a church hymn that is probably familiar to many. The song starts out, “All of Self and None of Thee”…then “Some of Self and Some of Thee” and ends with “None of Self and All of Thee”. He then asked us what we offer to God. Even though his talk alone was very thought provoking, it was his example that was so very moving.
I had watched this gentleman climb the steps to the podium with the aid of his walking stick. I watched him smile to all of us and welcome us, even though he could not physically see us. I watched him turn to the scriptures using his Braille Bible and read with his fingertips the Word of God to us. He presented a wonderful lesson to us, even though he could not physically see with his eyes! He offered all of this,
Just As He Was…
I cannot stop thinking about his example.
I immediately admired his courage to come to us just as he was. He was so comfortable. I shamefully thought of the many times that I have thought that I would like to be of service to the church in a certain way, but I am not qualified right now. I may think something like…
“If only I had more money, then I could do this or that for the church…”
Or
“If I had a bigger house, I could do this or that for the church…”
Or
“If I had more time, I could do this or that for the church…”
Last night, I was reminded that those things are such poor excuses! This man was doing the work of the Lord, despite his blindness! What a beautiful example to all of us this brother had shown!
I have found some scriptures that I would like to share with you that tie into these thoughts.
In Mark 12: 41-44 (KJV), we read of the example of the poor widow who gave all that she had. In verse 42 we read, “And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.” And then in verse 44, “For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”
Also in I Corinthians 3: 5-6 (KJV), we read “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?” “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” This scripture shows us that we can all do our part to bring others to God.
In Hebrews 13 verses 6 and 21(KJV), we read, “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” And then, “Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Both of these scriptures should give us the confidence we need to do what we can, even when we feel inadequate. We as Christian women can all be of service to our Lord and his church!
Lastly, I am always encouraged by the words of Philippians 4:13(KJV),
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
I hope that you all will be encouraged by these scriptures and the example of the sweet brother who showed us all that we should not wait, but do what we can now to be of service to our God!
Kitty Hackney http://ahappyheart3.blogspot.com/