“Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”
II Corinthians 5:16-19 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/2co.5.16-19.NKJV
I have worked with people with disabilities for over 30 years now. It has only been recently that I understand the secret sauce to helping those I serve gradually heal. Let me share a recent story with you.
One of the fellows who lives with me had a broken, destructive life. His mother and father were both crack addicts. He was placed into care at the age of one. He was bounced from home to home for 18 years. It took years for him to buy anything for himself other than clothes. When I asked him why he doesn’t buy himself a TV or a bed, he told me he can’t get past the fact that he never had a stable home. Fresh garbage bags were always in his room so that he can pack up and move out on a moment’s notice. Due to this instability, he became very angry and was known to assault anyone and everyone. In response, the government gave him access to an army of counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists. The anger continued which lead to multiple rounds of jail time.
This fellow has lived with me for 4 years now. As I spend time with God every day, he noticed my commitment to the Lord. One day, he asked me why I love God so much. I told him it’s because God is the only thing I need. God is my healer by changing my heart, loving me for the sinner I am and never leaving me alone. He is the rock of my life. I knew his question was God planting a seed in him. I asked him if he ever benefitted from his army of professionals. He laughed and told me no. I told him maybe he should try God as God will heal him and never leave him. With God, he will always have the stability he has yearned for. People come and go in life. God never leaves.
Fast forwarding, this fellow prays every day. I gradually see his anger leaving him. He tells others about coming to God. This was not my doing. This was God’s doing. It’s amazing how God transforms lives gradually. I never push God on others. They come to me on God’s time. Be ready to share and let God bring them to you. You will transform lives and not even realize it at the time but slowly see the branches of the person growing from God’s vine. It’s truly a beautiful thing to watch!
by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor
Alberta, Canada
