“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
Author Dan Vander Plaats says, “There is no asterisk on God’s call that says ‘except for people with disabilities’” (2016). That profound observation changes how we think about disability. Our friends are not objects of our pity; rather they are co-laborers with us in Christ.
In his book, In the Name of Jesus (1989), Henri Nouwen tells a story of what this can look like. He was serving as a priest at Daybreak, a L’Arche community for individuals with intellectual disabilities. When invited to speak to a large group of professionals, he brought along his friend and Daybreak resident, Bill, though he intended for Bill to be on the sidelines. Bill was insistent that they do this work together. When Nouwen got up to speak, Bill went with him. Bill would interject his thoughts, bringing warmth and honesty to the speech. Afterward Nouwen told him sincerely, “Thanks for coming with me. It was a wonderful trip, and what we did, we did together in Jesus’ name.”
Praise God that Jesus is willing to have us— shortcomings and all—as co-laborers with Him.
In his book, In the Name of Jesus (1989), Henri Nouwen tells a story of what this can look like. He was serving as a priest at Daybreak, a L’Arche community for individuals with intellectual disabilities. When invited to speak to a large group of professionals, he brought along his friend and Daybreak resident, Bill, though he intended for Bill to be on the sidelines. Bill was insistent that they do this work together. When Nouwen got up to speak, Bill went with him. Bill would interject his thoughts, bringing warmth and honesty to the speech. Afterward Nouwen told him sincerely, “Thanks for coming with me. It was a wonderful trip, and what we did, we did together in Jesus’ name.”
Praise God that Jesus is willing to have us— shortcomings and all—as co-laborers with Him.
Scripture Focus
Ephesians 2:1-10
Insight
“We’ll guard each one’s dignity/ and save each one's pride./ And they’ll know we are Christiansby our love,/ by our love.” (Peter Scholtes, 1966)
Bible In A Year
- Job 21-22
- Psalm 53
- Luke 16
