“It is good for me I have been afflicted, that I might learn Your statues.”
The Visit
Although I was a Christian, I did not know that one Friday afternoon would be the beginning of my spiritual development and growth track. It was the day I met Sister Deborah R and my eyes were opened.
My local church office received a telephone visitation referral from a social service organization without the community. We only had her physical address; therefore, I made an unannounced home visit.
I didn’t know what to expect, other than she was bedridden. I knocked at the door as an intruding stranger and received an invitation to enter like we’d been close friends for years.
The Greeting
“It’s open; come on in.”
When I entered the 4-room duplex, her cheerful greeting calmed my anxiety.
“How are you doing today?”
I replied, sounding a bit like a department store sales associate, “I’m doing fine. My name is Queen; I’m from the Olive Branch Church. How are you doing today?”
“Oh, I’m blessed! I’m so glad you came by. I was just praying, asking the Master to send somebody because I was getting hungry. He’s so good to me!”
The Situation Room
The living room resembled a make-shift hospital room—hospital bed, television, medical equipment, and supplies. However, her beaming smile could have easily camouflaged her paralysis if I hadn’t known her condition. After my brief introduction and help with her food, Jesus became the focus of our conversation.
Attitude Matters
As she talked about Jesus, I immediately realized that attitude should matter most despite your physical condition. It is easy to complain, express anger and frustration when your affliction prohibits your mobility and independence. Her adoration for Jesus amazed me. The sparkle in her tearful eyes spoke volumes, louder than her words. Passion and enthusiasm emanated from her slurred speech. “Sister Queen, I love Jesus! He is good to me. He takes care of me.”
She chattered like a toddler, excited about receiving a new toy. She talked about her life before her medical incident and warned about the dangers of being caught in the busyness of life. But now, she sees herself in a better position to share Jesus’ love with everyone He sends to visit or help. Sis. Deborah had no time for pity parties, only God-given opportunities to celebrate life.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18.
Lessons Learned
I became engrossed in her spirit of love, faith, and hope. Our tears streamed quietly as our hearts connected in the Spirit. I embraced this divine connection and learned powerful, lifelong lessons from Sis. Deborah.
- Physically afflicted is not justification for self-pity, unforgiveness, and bitterness. If Deborah could have a positive outlook on life, be fervent in spirit and strong in faith, why was I feeling defeated and discouraged because of hardships and temporary setbacks? My affliction was “light” compared to hers.
- I learned that being physically afflicted is not an excuse to deny God the praise that He is due. It was obvious Deborah knew first-hand about God’s goodness. She expressed her thanks for God’s unfailing mercies every day. She convinced me that love manifests in a greater dimension during adversity when we open our heart to receive the full measure of Jesus’ love.
- I learned it is a personal decision to view life’s challenges and physical conditions from God’s perspective as a child of God. Seeing afflictions from God’s perspective gives us the opportunity to know God better.
- Dorothy showed me that God shows Himself strong and mighty when you totally depend on Him. Although she was bedridden (bound physically), she was mentally sound and spiritually free.
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all (Psalm 34:19).
Conclusion
Like the psalmist, seeing good in affliction is a personal state of mind. And like Deborah, I decided that affliction would be helpful by adjusting my attitude and aligning my thoughts with God’s word. Our negative thoughts hold us captive. Thinking negative gives us excuses to be angry, bitter, unforgiving, and poor witnesses for Christ.
My perspective changed that Friday! My troubles and hardships did not disappear that day after my visit with Sis. Deborah. But my attitude changed. Since that day, over twenty-five years ago, I still remember the day my spiritual development and growth track began.
Your turn: Think about this:
Have you allowed unpleasant experiences or afflictions to impact your Christian witness? Do you want to learn more about God through your adversity to help others? What can you do to align your attitude with God’s word?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the Deborah’s in this world who are devoted to spreading your love despite physical challenges and adversity. Thank you for your faithfulness to us, even when we complain about our afflictions and our challenges. Forgive us, Father. We want to align our will with yours and adjust our attitude to reflect your righteousness. Lord, teach us how. Help us redirect our energy toward learning from our struggles so that we can see good in unpleasant experiences; knowing that your plans are for our good, and your purposes will prevail for your glory. Help us remember we are Your representatives on the Earth. And that all things work together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purpose. Father, we want to represent You well in good times, and especially in difficult times, so that others will come to know You through faith in Your So, Jesus Christ. We praise You for Your goodness and Your faithfulness toward us. And we trust Your sovereignty, Your holiness and righteousness and wisdom in all things. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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