GOD CAN USE YOUR INFIRMITY
By Ken Blue
“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;” Philippians 1:12
Last week I received a phone call from a lady whose fiancé has ALS. Her doctor is a member of Open Door, and she suggested I be contacted because I too am afflicted with this terminal neurological disease. We set a time for a meeting at the church.
When I first met Charles, it was obvious that he was very ill and troubled. I spent some time getting acquainted and sharing my story and history of ALS. I explained how I became a Christian and why I have perfect peace concerning my death and meeting the Lord Jesus Christ. I assured him that I am not looking forward to the process, but I am sure of heaven after I die.
[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]God wants to use your infirmities to help win others to Christ.[/pullquote]
After presenting the simple gospel story, I ask if he too would like to accept Jesus as his Savior. Again, I made it clear that this would not change the nature of his disease, but would change his destination at death. I also reassured him that it is acceptable to trust Christ, even when one is dying. It does not mean he is praying a “foxhole prayer.” I told him of the thief on the cross and that he was saved that very hour.
Charles agreed that he wanted to accept Jesus as his savior and in faith bowed his head and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. I showed him a couple of assurance verses and we rejoiced together.
Two things I would like to ask you to do. One, please pray for him and his family as Charles nears the time of his departure to be with the Lord. Next, don’t complain about your misfortunes; God wants to use them to help and win others if you will be available. Believe me, I am not glad I have ALS; but if this one soul will be in heaven because of it, then I thank God that He could use it to win others to Him.
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.
How awesome to see God use your infirmity to reach people quite likely that nobody else could ever reach! I have found most of my ministry to other people is from my life’s most difficult times and stupid decisions I have made that I can now relate to other people. Things I would never choose to go through again, but would never trade for who it has made me and how I can now love others.
I will be praying for Charles and his family! Praise the Lord for his salvation and that God had you there for him! I am so thankful this is not all there is to life- If you get to talk to him again please tell him we are so glad he is in the family of God and we love him and will see him later!!!
That was a blessing to read your blog today, You are a very specail blessing to Barb and I. I am so glad that you still bless each of us. We will be praying for Charles and his family. Thank you for your sweet spirit and testimony. Great knowing we will meet Charles in glory some day. God Bless you Pastor. Thank you for the blog today as always.
it was a delight to read your blog tonight
i think of you often and pray for you and your family frequently
you and your family have a dear spot in my heart… ps melissa is looking over my shoulder wanting to make corrections. . .still the secretary!!!
Pastor, my heart is so full that I hardly know what to say. It was no accident that Charles had the doctor that he head. It was no mistake that he also has ALS and connected with you. I’m so thrilled for Charles. Someday we will all realize how the Holy Spirit lead us to the cross to find life eternal in Jesus Christ the finisher of our very own faith. No matter how bad our situation is, God can make something good out of it. That to me is the true meaning of the phrase “GOD IS GOOD”.
Great reminder for me and my wife! Infirmities not only make us prayer more to the Lord but also helps us pray for others as well.