Indispensably Gifted

Recently we had the privilege of watching Mike and Mary, who are friends with disabilities, lead the Bible lesson on prayer at our Friendship group at Outlook Christian Church. Mike shared his personal story how prayer sustained him when both his parents passed away in the same year.

This was the second time Mike led a Bible lesson for our group. This time he invited Mary to help him. A companion in the group helped them prepare their lesson. It was powerful and even humbling to hear our friends with disabilities testify to the importance of prayer.

I share this story with you to encourage you. Prayerfully look at your friends with disabilities through the eyes of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him, “Lord, what spiritual gifts did You give them?” Look for opportunities in your Friendship group, even your church, where they can exercise their God given gifts.

I had a friend with a disability named Richard. When I would talk to him about my dreams for this ministry, or share a struggle, he would grab my hands and say, “Let’s Pray.” Richard taught me that when someone comes with a struggle or grieving, not to say, “I’ll pray for you,” but instead say, “Let’s Pray.” He taught me to pray in the moment.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:22 that the parts of the body that SEEM to be weaker are indispensable. Look for the spiritual giftedness in your friends with disabilities. They have been gifted by God according to His measure. Look for the ways they have influenced you and show them they are indispensable.

If this story moves you to where you would like to be a part of a Friendship group, let us know at
https://connection-ministries.org/contact.

Locations of churches in our network are listed at https://connection-ministries.org/network-churches/

If you think God might be calling you into disability ministry, please connect with us,
https://connection-ministries.org/contact. As part of our succession plan, Connection Ministries is beginning conversations with potential candidates who might replace our Executive Director of 30 years.