My Disability -- An Appointment with God Almighty

I don’t like being told I cannot do something. I don’t mean rules or orders given by someone in authority. I mean finding out I am unable to do something.

As soon as I arrived at Mayo in June, I was told I could no longer drive a car. The liver disease has given me high levels of ammonia in the brain. I could no longer know if I would pass out while driving. This obviously creates a danger to me and more importantly to others. This restriction makes perfect sense. I just don’t like it.

I will also have to go on disability from work due to the length of time involved in the transplant process. It is very hard for me to be away from my work and ministry. Disability, I just do not like the sound of that.

Disability simply put means not able. I feel able. My mind tells me I am able. My heart is committed and determined to be able. Just one problem – my body does not agree!

Being classified as disabled leaves me feeling limited, defeated and weak.

I asked God if I am disabled and He surprised me by saying yes. In fact I always have been. God, however, was not speaking of something temporal like physical health and ability. He is trying to direct me to deeper spiritual needs like pride, self-sufficiency, humility, and surrender.

Sometimes God will graciously bring to my life something that is far bigger than me. He does this so that through my puny limited ability, I might discover His limitless power.

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

When I am unable, He is always more than able.
I am not able to save myself – God is able!
I am not able to conform myself to the image of his son – God is able!
I am not able to find the strength – God is able!
I am not able to find the wisdom to understand – God is able!
I am not able to change my circumstances – God is able!
I am not able to love and forgive – God is able!
I am not able to provide and protect my family – God is able!
I am not able to heal myself – God is able!

How often do I stop short of experiencing God’s work in my life because I am afraid to go beyond the edge of my ability, just one small step of faith from the almighty?

Father, The Almighty
Please do whatever it takes to help me place all my confidence and hope in you and you alone. Broken for You,
Dan

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21