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CAN GOD USE A HANDICAPPED PERSON? Grace to you from the beautiful Philippine Islands! Today is Thursday, April 17, 2025. Our reading today is a familiar passage from John Chapter 9. Jesus and His disciples come upon a man who was born blind. When His disciples saw the man, they questioned Jesus, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus' answer should be carefully noted. Although ALL people are sinners (Romans 3:23), the disciples wanted to know why this particular man was born blind. Jesus answered, "..that the works of GOD should be manifest in him." v. 3 When Jesus healed the blind man, it displayed the wonderful works of GOD. It confirmed Who Jesus is, although the religious leaders could not wrap their minds around the Truth. GOD can greatly use those who have physical handicaps. Although most handicapped people will never be whole again, GOD wants to glorify Himself through their lives. Here are a few examples of modern-day believers who chose to glorify GOD through their tragedy. Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni (pronounced Johnny) was injured in a diving accident as a teen and became a quadriplegic. She has been wheelchair-bound all of her life. Although she desperately wanted to be healed, she glorified GOD in her situation. She realized that GOD was in control and chose to use her situation to help others who were handicapped. Thousands have come to Christ through her ministry and testimony. Also, two Vietnam vets lost major parts of their bodies in combat. David Roever and Tim Lee. These men have preached the Gospel to millions and glorified GOD through their lives. Nic Vujicic was born without arms or legs. However, he speaks to hundreds of thousands of people annually and shares his relationship to the LORD. Nic is married to a beautiful wife and has four children. Last, and certainly not least, is my dear Filipino friend, Leno Ciano. Leno also was crippled after a childhood bout with polio. His legs became deformed and he never walked again. When I met Leno, he was just entering a Bible School in Manila. We became instant friends. I was able to get him his first wheelchair. I encouraged and supported him for several years. He preached the Word of GOD to thousands of Filipinos and led many to Christ. Leno married a lovely young lady named Maggie. Together, they had a beautiful daughter named Hannah. Sadly, Leno’s ministry was cut short after three years. He is now with our LORD. If GOD can use people with severe handicaps, then you and I have no excuse. I have heard each of these handicapped believers say, “If I had my life to live over again, I would not change one thing, especially my handicap.” If you are ill or handicapped in any way, GOD can use you. If you follow Jesus Christ, glorify GOD in your current situation, even if GOD chooses not to heal you. One day soon you will have a new body. Our present bodies are only temporary and are deteriorating with each passing day. Don't miss the lesson here. The main emphasis in this chapter is not "physical" healing but "spiritual" healing. Many Christians ignorantly quote Isaiah 53:5, “…with His stripes, we are healed..” in reference to physical healing. That verse, when studied in context has nothing to do with physical healing. It is talking about “spiritual healing” from our wicked sins. The blind man in the text today also was referring to spiritual healing when he declared, “I once was blind but now I see.” v.25 In verse 38 when he saw Jesus face to face he proclaimed, “Lord, I believe.” Faith in Jesus is better than physical healing any day! However, Jesus told the Pharisees they were spiritually blind and remained in their sin. v.41 If you have never trusted Christ as your Lord and Savior I encourage you to do so today. It is only by faith that we can spiritually see that Jesus is GOD, our Creator and Savior. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Not of works, lest any man should boast.(Ephesians 2:8,9) The most popular spiritual song in the world is “Amazing Grace”, written by a former slave trader, John Newton. These are the words in the first and second stanzas. The idea came from the passage we read today: Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now am found T'was blind but now I see T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear And Grace, my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed Note: Below are photos of the four heroes I mentioned above. Most have websites except for Leno. You can Google their name.