Unlocking the Power of friendship and faith
The transformative power of friendship and faith within the context of disability ministry requires a perspective shift. The perspective is framed around the compelling biblical story found in Luke 5: 17-39, where four friends display unwavering commitment and faith to help their paralyzed friend reach Jesus.
In a world where over 60 million Americans live with a disability, the majority of whom are not active within our churches, it becomes essential to address these hard topics, shed light on biblical foundations, and challenge perceptions. It is through understanding and applying these principles that we can start to see world-changing ideas come to fruition.
Our journey begins with an exploration of the lengths these four friends went to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus. They climbed a roof, made a hole, and lowered him into the presence of Jesus. This act of faith and determination is not just a lesson in biblical history; it serves as a guiding principle in how we should approach relationships with individuals with disabilities. This story encourages us to cultivate real, co-laboring friendships, rather than pity-based relationships. The power of such friendships lies in their ability to help individuals fulfill their God-given purposes, rather than being stifled by pity. Scripture says…
17 On one of the days while Jesus was teaching, some proud religious law-keepers and teachers of the Law were sitting by Him. They had come from every town in the countries of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was there to heal them. 18 Some men took a man who was not able to move his body to Jesus. He was carried on a bed. They looked for a way to take the man into the house where Jesus was. 19 But they could not find a way to take him in because of so many people. They made a hole in the roof over where Jesus stood. Then they let the bed with the sick man on it down before Jesus. 20 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
21 The teachers of the Law and the proud religious law-keepers thought to themselves, “Who is this Man Who speaks as if He is God? Who can forgive sins but God only?” 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said to them, “Why do you think this way in your hearts? 23 Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or, ‘Get up and walk’?
24 “So that you may know the Son of Man has the right and the power on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the man who could not move his body, “I say to you, get up. Take your bed and go to your home.” 25 At once the sick man got up in front of them. He took his bed and went to his home thanking God. 26 All those who were there were surprised and gave thanks to God, saying, “We have seen very special things today.”
These scriptures help us to explore the power of encouragement and faith in disability ministry. Drawing from the biblical example of these men and their choice to help their friend, we are reminded that we are stronger together. In addition to that think about Jesus sending out his disciples in pairs. Why? Because we’re stronger together! This principle becomes particularly pertinent within the context of disability ministry, where we can use the gifts God has given us to help others know, grow, and serve Christ.
Inspiring real-life stories of individuals who have been able to fulfill their purpose for God because of the right people around them shows that these stories bring God’s glory, not pity. My church held a weekly event called Coffee and a Prayer. Peole would drive through get a cup of coffee and recieve prayer. A woman with learning disabilities choose to join this team to pray over people. During her first event, another volunteer wanted to support the woman, if needed. As the woman approached the car and began praying, the volunteer stepped back and let her pray. The extra volunteer wasn’t needed in the moment. Prayer was a gift this woman had and she was employing it for God! An example if of a teacher's aide at a Christian school that is diagnosed with autism and epilepsy. She works in a classroom with students with disabilities. She exudes patience and kindness with the students. She beautifully ministers to children with an understanding that she wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for her disability. We see the transformative power of friendship and faith at work in these experiences where people with and without disabilities come together to shine the light of Jesus.
These stories underscore the importance of recognizing and nurturing the gifts within individuals with disabilities. Instead of downplaying or shutting down someone because of their disability, we should be like the four friends in Luke 5, ready to climb roofs, break barriers, and create paths to reach Jesus. It is in this spirit of co-laboring friendship, faith, and encouragement that we can truly unlock the power of disability ministry.
To sum it up, this serves as a reminder that every person should have the opportunity to know Christ, grow in Him, and serve Him with the gifts that He has given, no matter their ability. It's not about having all the answers or doing everything perfectly; it's about continuing the conversation, learning, growing, and making a difference in the lives of those around us. Let us all strive to be friends who see purpose, not pity, and who are willing to climb roofs to help others reach Jesus, and then step out of the way as He works through His people.
