by Judy Jackson and Michael Garrett
In an article in the October “Forum,” the statement was made that the author “knew of no single instance where Jesus empowered a blind man, or a lame woman, or a deaf child; instead, He cured them.” As Christians, we strongly oppose this view. First of all, Jesus didn’t cure for the sake of making people physically well. In each instance, the intent of the cure was to carry with it a much larger message. We assert that each person who was physically cured by Jesus served as a living example of His power and authority. In the days following each of the healings, they manifested this power and authority in that, through their witnessing for Him, they told of the tremendous change in their lives. Therefore, the real message in the cures, exhibited by the changed lives, is salvation through Jesus Christ. This is true empowerment!
There are countless passages throughout the Bible where empowerment is realized through the teachings of Jesus. For example, Christ said, “I am the vine, you are the branches, he that abides in Me and I in him will bear much fruit. For without Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) This verse states that Jesus himself is the source of all power.
The apostle Paul stated that after asking God to remove his debilitating affliction three times, God chose not to. Paul realized that God’s grace was sufficient and through his weakened condition he was made strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) This passage reveals that Paul’s disability was not what made him weak, but rather his lack of total dependence on Christ. When he understood the sufficiency of God’s grace, despite his disability, he gained power and strength that propelled his unparalleled ministry.
As for poor debilitated Job, is there really a reason to feel sorry for him? It is imperative to note that Job would never have experienced these tragedies were it not for God’s prior permission. Sure, he lost everything. Some of these things included: family, riches, respect, along with the numerous physical afflictions. But through all this calamity, Job maintained his devotion to God. With each messenger bringing news of another loss, mounting pain, suffering, disappointment, Job endured it all. Job understood better than anyone that all he had belonged to God, even his body. In the end, after the test was completed, Job ultimately ended up with more than he ever had before. We assert that Job’s story illustrates that it takes more power to endure the pain and suffering, material losses, ridicule, and lack of respect than it does to succumb to the world’s view of people with disabilities.
As Christians, we can’t speak for other religions; however, we proclaim that Christianity is a relationship. This relationship is between a person and their faith in Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches that once this relationship has been established, a believer is entitled to all the promises of God, which include spiritual empowerment. This can be explained in that empowerment comes from within. It is an inner strength that allows us to overcome life’s challenges and adverse conditions. As Christians with disabilities, if we are passive objects of charity-based religion, perhaps it is of our own doing. It is incumbent upon each believer to actively pursue opportunities of service in his/her local church and community. This will serve as an avenue through which we can become integral participants who immensely contribute to the education and enlightenment of those who hold charitable and demeaning ideas about people with disabilities. It is our responsibility to do all we can through Christ who empowers us. In so doing, we demonstrate to society that we are capable of helping rather than always receiving help.