My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
First, and with a humble heart, I must apologize for my extended silence on this blog. Many of you who walk a similar path understand all too well the unpredictable nature of our bodies and minds. I have been walking through a season of significant flare-ups—a wilderness of pain and exhaustion where even the simplest tasks felt like mountains to climb. In these moments, the enemy loves to whisper lies of uselessness and isolation. But the Holy Spirit, our ever-present Comforter, has been reminding me that our advocacy for Christ is not silenced by our limitations; it is often refined by them.
The Apostle Paul, who was given a “thorn in the flesh,” heard the Lord say to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). It is from this very place of weakness, this total dependence on His sufficient grace, that I write to you today. Our disabilities do not disqualify us from the Great Commission; they provide us with a unique and powerful testimony of His sustaining power.
God does not see us as broken advocates. In fact, Scripture is filled with His promises that declare our purpose and strength in Him:
We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), every part of our being intentionally crafted by the Creator’s hand.
He declares, “I have chosen the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). Our perceived weaknesses are the very platforms He uses to showcase His glory.
We are His “masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). This includes the good work of advocacy, prepared specifically for you with your unique gifts and challenges.
We are not just recipients of mercy; we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Here are seven ways you can advocate for Him, right where you are, even from your bed or your wheelchair.
1. The Ministry of Persistent Prayer
When your body is captive, your spirit can soar on the wings of intercession. Your prayer closet becomes a command center for advancing God’s kingdom. Pray for your church, your pastors, missionaries, and the lost. Your prayers are a powerful force, and in your isolation, you are participating in battles seen and unseen. This is a high and holy calling.
2. The Witness of Unshakable Joy
The world expects those suffering to be bitter and angry. When they see a genuine, Spirit-filled joy and peace in you that defies your circumstances, it points directly to the source of that strength: Jesus Christ. Your smile, your kind word in the midst of pain, is a profound testimony that Christ is truly enough.
3. The Power of Your Testimony
Your story is yours alone. Share how God meets you in the valley of flare-ups. Share the scriptures that are your anchor when the storm rages. You can do this one-on-one, in a small group, or even through written words or social media from your home. “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Your story of grace is a weapon against the darkness.
4. The Ministry of Presence (Even a Virtual One)
Sometimes, advocacy is simply being there. A text message saying, “I’m praying for you,” a comment on a friend’s post with a Bible verse, or a short email to encourage your pastor. In a disconnected world, using your available energy to connect with and uplift others is a radical act of love that reflects Christ.
5. Cultivating a Grateful Heart
Advocacy can be as simple as declaring gratitude to the Lord, especially when it’s hard. Thanking God for the small victories—a moment of reduced pain, a beautiful sunrise, a helpful hand—is an act of spiritual warfare. It proclaims that God is still good and on His throne, and it encourages those around you to also give thanks.
6. Gentle Education within the Church
Many in our churches simply don’t understand chronic illness or disability. You can advocate by gently and lovingly helping them understand. This isn’t about accusation; it’s about invitation. Invite them into your world so the Body of Christ can become more inclusive, compassionate, and accessible, truly reflecting the heart of our Savior who always made room for the marginalized.
7. Embracing the Covenant Community
On days when you can, make every effort to be with God’s people. Your presence in the pew (or accessible parking spot!) matters. You are a vital part of the Body (1 Corinthians 12:22). By showing up, you advocate for the truth that the church is not just for the strong and healthy, but for all believers, and your presence makes the body more complete.
Remember, dear friend, advocacy is not about your ability, but your availability to the Holy Spirit. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), shining through the cracks of your earthen vessel.
Thank you for your grace during my absence. Thank you for your prayers. Let us continue to point each other to the cross, where our weakness is exchanged for His strength, and our pain finds its purpose in His plan.
In His Sufficient Grace,
Able by Grace Ministries
