Stories of real people telling people about Jesus were prominent in my childhood from my earliest memory. Mom would read them to us until we were old enough to read ourselves. Then, the stories intrigued us and we devoured them. Amy Carmichael, David Livingston, and many others were our heroes. I wanted to be a missionary. I wanted to tell others about the wondrous love of our Jesus.
Fast forward to my early adulthood where it became obvious that I was not able to travel to foreign lands due to my health. Slowly, God showed me that I could be a missionary wherever I was. (I am a little slow on the uptake sometimes.)
This week, as I was reading Matthew 26:39, 42. Jesus didn’t relish going to the cross. He knew what He would suffer. Yet, He did it for me, for you.
I have never gone through anything close to what Jesus went through for me. Yet, it hit me as I read. I truly wish that I had strong health and didn’t have medical appointments as a hobby. Yet, that is what has been chosen. Will I be willing to live for Jesus right where He has me even when I don’t like the place? Will I be willing to reach those in the doctor’s offices (both medical staff and patients) with Jesus’ love?
Philippians 3:10 came to mind, Paul says that He wants to know Christ, the power of the resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. I would suggest reading verses 7-11 are good to give some context. Wow. Am I willing to desire the fellowship of His suffering even in the midst of isolation and chronic illness/disability?
My heart was stirred!
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