Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I may learn your decrees. – Psalm 119:67,71
Physical Afflictions
I have often wondered what kind of person I would be if I had not been born with Cerebral Palsy. Truthfully, I don’t think I would like myself. If I had to guess, I would be snobbish thinking I was better than most, walking by the indigent saying ‘get a job’ under my breath. With those having visible disabilities, I would probably view as being pitifully doomed to a life of misery and oppression.
Thank God for my afflictions!
Social Afflictions
If I had the perfect family (with my disabilities), I would’ve probably stayed home and collected disability checks my whole life instead of putting everything I had into earning an education and becoming independent. If other kids did not make fun of me and I wasn’t automatically denied job opportunities because of how I walk and talk, I would’ve probably went the ‘party route’ of wanting to have fun while destroying my body and living for the moment.
Thank God for my afflictions!
Emotional Afflictions
If I did not have seasons of clinical depression, I would DEFINITELY not be the quality therapist I am now. I would coldly tell depressed client’s to ‘get over it’ and view them as lazy freeloaders.
No question – my afflictions bring me to the arms of Jesus. Like a child who is learning to ride a bike, My Father keeps me steady, cheers me on when I glide at a fast pace, and heals my hurts when I fall until I am ready to try again.
Thank God for my afflications!