Physical and Spiritual Disabilities
Most of us have either a physical or a spiritual disability. Many of us have both. I struggle with complete hearing loss in one ear and partial hearing in the other. This physical disability creates many challenges in understanding what someone says, so I do my best to fill in the gaps. Sometimes, I have conversations with people whose facial expressions reveal that I guessed the wrong word. For example, someone shares a sad situation, and I smile and say, “Oh wonderful.” Oops!
I know God did not cause this sudden illness that led to my hearing loss, and I can praise Him that the other ear didn’t become completely deaf. I can still hear my grandchildren in their excitement, laughter, and dreams. And most importantly, I hear, “I love you, Honey.” When I get frustrated and discouraged about my hearing, I am reminded of the scripture, “Give thanks in everything, for this is the will of God toward you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:18 ESV). This puts me in the right mindset to hear the Holy Spirit.
Just as we can have physical disabilities, we also may have spiritual disabilities. We often don't realize we have a spiritual disability. For example, we may struggle to hear God in our spirit, just as I struggle to hear people in the natural. Ask yourself whether the Holy Spirit can move freely in your thought process. Negative thoughts can fill us with anxiety, fear, 'what ifs,' insecurities, 'if onlys,' and more. The enemy is relentless in trying to disturb our thoughts and emotions; he whispers little white lies into our ears and constantly tries to influence our thinking. Sorting out our thoughts, God’s words, and the enemy's lies is challenging, but it is also an essential tool for believers. We need to be open to what God is saying through His Holy Spirit and fight the enemy off with truth.
Physical disabilities can be very obvious, but spiritual disabilities are easier to hide. Ask God to reveal any areas where you might have a spiritual disability, and seek His help to heal those areas by being honest about them. Here are a few examples of disabilities that hinder our walk with God: being critical, judgmental, and prideful can significantly impede our spiritual growth. Having an unbelieving or overly anxious mind can prevent us from hearing God. We may retreat when feeling lonely, put on a fake smile when all is not well, and thoughts of rejection can trouble us. We might resort to manipulation to hide insecurity or anger to cover an overstressed life. We may struggle with holding grudges, unforgiveness, or bitterness from the past. We may hold onto sinful habits that hurt God because He wants what is best for us. These disabilities can be overcome through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We need to put on the armor of God and stand firm against areas where we struggle.
In John 14:12, Jesus told His disciples that when He went away, He would send a Comforter and they would do greater works than He. Can you imagine doing greater works than Jesus? Many are blessed not to have a physical disability, but even if you do, don’t use that as an excuse not to minister. Ask God to use the gifts He has given you, and don’t focus on the areas where you fall short.
You may not have a physical disability like mine, but spiritual disabilities can affect you just as much. We all must find ways to stand strong against our areas of weakness that make us prone to sin. It is possible to replace negative thoughts with positive ones by reminding ourselves that we are cherished children of the Most High God who walk in power. Seeking to understand His love and other attributes can bring healing to both physical and spiritual struggles. Therefore, pick up the sword of the Spirit and defeat those spiritual disabilities. Remove the mask and be open to hearing Him speak. Allow Him to show you what burdens you carry that He doesn’t want you to bear. “There is power, power, wonder-working power in the blood of the Lamb.” Try it. Grab your spiritual sword. Be a warrior against the enemy of lies. You have the power through the Holy Spirit to overcome your spiritual disabilities. Praise God!
Let’s pray:
Lord, there are times when I feel weak or troubled by nagging thoughts about my physical or spiritual disabilities. I know there is healing power to overcome those thoughts or emotions when they arise. Forgive me for allowing those disabilities to dominate me at times. Yet, You are Jehovah Rapha, the Healer, for both physical and spiritual disabilities. Scripture tells me, “He, (God), has sent, (me), Jesus to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1). We praise You, Lord, in faith for no more physical or spiritual disabilities holding us captive. “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me” (Psalm 103:1- NLT).
Amen.
