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"HELPS"
Become Transparent
2 Corinthians chapter 12, Paul was talking about the "Thorn in his Flesh." I have heard a lot of "probable" explanations of this "thorn" but it seems that most think it was blindness. Whatever it was, Paul prayed and asked God to remove this affliction. God did not answer Paul's prayers with healing. However, he did impart this wonderful wisdom:
"My GRACE is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
I have come to realize that physical healing is not necessary. It would be a lot more comfortable and make our lives easier. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 God talks about how God is the father of all comfort and with that comfort that we receive from God, we can impart the same comfort to others. We have to come to recognize that in a way God has Blessed us with a way to minister to others that we would not have (or appreciate) if we did not have handicaps. When I got my first power wheelchair I went for prayer to ask God to bless it for his kingdom. My wheelchair has been a platform that allows me to open discussion with others (most of the time complete strangers) about how God loves us and how He blesses us.
I think you will soon see how God opens doors for ministry because of the Canadian Crutches and the scooter and your acceptance of them. It is so liberating when we stop seeing these things as "crutches" and start seeing them as aids and appreciate the fact that we have them.
I told a priest once that it made me feel uncomfortable when people came up to me and said things like, "You are such an inspiration to me." I didn't WANT to be an inspiration! I wanted to be NORMAL, WELL. He asked me how I answered these people. I told him I changed the subject after saying quick "Thank you." He told me to STOP saying "Thank you." He said I was to "BECOME TRANSPARENT" and allow the people to look through me and see Jesus.
After that, I started telling people that it was Jesus that gave me the strength and the ability to do every thing I do. Some people don't comment, but most of the time it starts a dialogue. I beg the Lord's forgiveness when I am in a hurry or am just too tired or lazy to respond to a comment the way God wants me to. We are told that we are Christ's ambassadors. Well, I think that those with disabilities are in the front lines and we should never turn down an opportunity show Jesus to someone.
Hopefully I AM transparant to that person and they can see Jesus in me.
Love in Christ,
Linda