«Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them“ (Matthew 21:14).
I saw her arriving with a slow, laborious gait, dragging her feet a little. I was sitting in the hospital waiting room and she approached with a concerned look on her face. Leaning on her arm was an extremely pale and thin man. The woman sat next to me, breathed a gentle sigh, and looked forward.
A few seconds later, as if continuing a usual conversation, she looked at me and whispered, “He can’t stand the pain anymore. I hope they’ll take care of us soon.” I nodded silently because she was about to continue talking. “It’s terminal. There’s nothing they can do. The cancer has spread all over his body. Now he’s getting palliative care, and that’s why we came here, but he doesn’t have much time left,» she said, shaking her head. She paused and continued, “I’m also here for a check-up. I’m going to have spinal surgery when all his trouble is over.»
When I saw her, I had thought that she was a woman whose way of walking represented her indifference to life. How wrong I was! How prejudiced we are sometimes!
This strong and courageous woman had survived countless spinal operations, her cancer (of which she was now cured), and now was with her husband to the end. She was also plunged into deep pain all over her body and heart but spoke to me with an unusual smile and encouragement.
“How nice that you have your Bible! » she said when she saw it on my lap. “Here they always tell us about God and I learned that many of the things my religion taught were not biblical. Thus, I have already left that church and now I’m studying the Bible. Once, when I had surgery, a nurse came to my room, prayed with me, and helped to calm my pain. I know God saved my life with a plan. I always knew.»
We read a couple of psalms together and stayed in touch. You will certainly come across people today on the street, at work, or in class with whom you can break down prejudices and share the Word of God. Ask God to use you and give you humility to learn from them, as well. Ask Him that even if your current «limp» remains, you can go to God—like this woman—and receive comfort for your physical life, healing for your spiritual life, and fellowship with Him.
Like this Christian nurse, fulfill your double duty. Take advantage of the opportunities. They will come alone.
