For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
What would our world look like if we truly knew that the things we are suffering from were nothing compared to the glory God was bringing in the end?
This week, we started our ministry in Bangkok, Thailand. We will be working with a leper colony for a majority of the month.
So far, I have met some of the most amazing men and women of God in my life. These are people who know who God has called them to be and they know who God is.
The first day, we got to visit a man and his wife who have lived at the colony for 43 years now. He got leprosy 44 years ago, and while in the hospital, he met a Christian who led him to the Lord. He has been a believer for 43 years, and this man is unstoppable! I have never met a man who is more faithful, or a woman who loves her husband through more. When they gave their marriage vows, they meant every word; and it is evident in how they care for eachother.
His face has been totally deformed by his illness and he has lost most of his eyesight. His wife only has 40% of her vision.
“I wear the hat because my eyes are sensitive to light, not because it looks cool. Are these all men or women in the room?”
He didn’t even know who was in the room with him, but he praised God for our presence. He was just thankful to have visitors.
They served God fulltime until about 10 years ago, when he lost most of his vision. But he still leads Bible studies out of his home and praises God every chance he gets. I was so challenged by this man and his wife because they look beyond their physical limitations to a God who is bigger. He provides all that they need all the time. Even though he can hardly see or speak, the things that come out of his mouth still bring glory to the Father.
What would our world look like if we looked beyond setbacks, sickness and pain and focused our eyes on the One Who took our place and gives us all we need?
