Call Upon The Church
I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and most people think it’ll never happen to them.
Like, here’s an example: okay, statistics show that nearly 40% of us will develop some kind of cancer. Ten out of ten members in your church probably think they aren’t included in that statistic. And most churchgoers likely think that significant disorders such as debilitating anxiety, depression, or addictions will only affect someone who’s weaker or less stable than they are. But the reality is, most of us will suffer with a disease, disability, or a disorder. Now, I’m not being pessimistic. I’m just saying that we live in a fallen world, and bad stuff is gonna happen.
My friend Bruce was a successful dentist, and he never dreamed that one day he would struggle with deep depression. It all started when he began losing sleep. And that, in turn, led to long-term insomnia. And then one morning before picking up his dental tools to fix a filling, Bruce realized, “Oh, my goodness, my hands are shaking.” He stepped out of the exam room to take a deep breath, but he could not calm the shakiness. He left the office early that day, knowing that life for him was about to change. Bruce went on medication, underwent sleep studies, sought psychiatric counseling. Nothing helped. But his pride would not let him reach out. And that’s when this man, broken and helpless, filled with anxieties and fears – that’s when he turned to his church and asked – no, no, no, actually, Bruce pleaded for help. Thankfully, the people in his congregation were people of Romans chapter 12. They loved exercising their gifts of service and encouragement, giving and mercy. They took Romans 12:9 seriously where it says, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them … with genuine affection…” And then in verse 13, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them [and] … be eager to practice hospitality.” This church embraced Bruce on a level that was amazing. His anxiety disorder provided everyone an opportunity to participate in his journey and in the sufferings of Christ. But here’s the thing – nobody in that church was Bruce’s savior or rescuer; nobody was his deliverer; but they sure were effective tools in the hands of their suffering Savior, Rescuer and Deliverer.
So, when you find yourself one day with a disability, or a disease, or even an anxiety disorder, please call upon your church to act as God’s Word prescribes it to – act as your family, your hospital, and your circle of discipleship. Don’t choose to only look for help outside the church, believing that God’s people are totally ineffective for you. No, give the body of Christ – give your church an opportunity – give them a chance – to extend Christ’s love and healing, hope, and help.
And I want to close with a word to leaders in the church and my friends who are pastors. If you want to be relevant in today’s world of disability, Christian leaders simply have to have a better handle on the changing landscape of disability – like anxiety disorders. And so, for those of you in Christian leadership, I’ve got a limited supply of a wonderful book called “Suffering in 3-D: Connecting the Church to Disease, Disability and Disorder.” ʼCause I want Christian leaders to apply biblical wisdom when counseling different people struggling with troubling conditions like anxiety disorder. So, if you’re a pastor, visit Joniradio.org and ask for your free copy of “Suffering in 3-D.” I only have a limited supply, so this offer is just for pastors. Write today for your free copy at Joniradio.org. God bless you today, and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends!
© Joni and Friends
Suffering in 3-D: Connecting the Church to Disease, Disability, and Disorder
Suffering in 3-D, by Dr. John Kwasny, is a book to guide and encourage ordinary believers to get practically involved in meaningful relational ministry to all who are suffering. The church is called not merely to tolerate or endure sufferers in its midst, but to welcome, pursue, and embrace them as full members of the body of Christ. As you work through this book, you will be guided and inspired to engage in a holistic and practical ministry to those who suffer with disease, disability, and disorder.
