Grace Evangelical Society

P.O. Box 1308, Denton, TX 76202
  • About
    • Home
    • Beliefs
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
  • Resources
    • Grace in Focus Blog
    • Grace in Focus International Blogs
    • Grace in Focus Radio
    • Grace in Focus Magazine
    • Free eBooks
    • Journal of the GES
    • Book Reviews
    • Partners in Grace Newsletter
    • Audio Messages
    • Videos
    • Email Subscription
    • Bookstore
    • Online Tracts
  • Store
    • Main Page
    • On Sale
    • Return Policy
    • Your Cart
    • Your Account
  • Events
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Free Grace Church and Bible Study Tracker
    • Free Grace Jobs
    • Ministry Links
  • Donate
    • One Time Donation
    • Monthly Donation
    • Your Account
  • Search
Home
→
Grace in Focus Articles
→
What a Disability Can Teach

What a Disability Can Teach

November 1, 2002 by GES Webmaster in Grace in Focus Articles

by Dick Peik

I became a Christian in 1959 while in college, attended theological seminary, and then pastored for nearly 30 years. In 1980 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (the slowly regressing type). My teaching ended in 1987 as my speech became increasingly slurred. Presently (2002) my whole body has been affected, but not entirely. Here are a few things MS has been teaching me.

The continued regression (about every 6 months there is something else I can’t do!) continually reminds me that eternal life never changes, unlike my condition. Eternal Security is more a day-by-day reality now whereas in the past it was often overlooked.

Likewise, a secure marriage has become a tremendous encouragement. Shortly after the MS began, my wife and I read that the divorce rate for MS patients was extremely high—around 90%! I remember commenting, “Boy, if we survive this, it’ll take a miracle for sure!” Well, today I am no longer afraid of the divorce statistics. Realizing we both made vows to Him for life is the big reason. Knowing both of us recognize we live in a sinful world is another.

Since the MS started, Rom 8:28 has taken on new meaning for me. Of course, it was true before, and when I believed in Christ it became true for me. But, since the MS, Rom 8:28 has become real. It means my circumstances are not “accidents” to God. Hearing well-meaning people say, “with enough faith, you could be healed” sort of “rolls off my back” these days. I am increasingly convinced that “Thy will be done” is the “prayer of faith” He really wants.

All the varied troubles with MS have certainly confirmed the reality of my wife’s and my salvation.

I think back to pastoring and what a privilege it was to be given an occupation in which teaching the Word of God was a primary responsibility.

About 4 years ago my family got me to agree (reluctantly) to spending 8 hours/day in bed! Knowing I couldn’t (and still can’t) sleep that long, I decided to memorize Scripture and review verses during the time spent lying in bed awake. With the strong possibility of total blindness lurking in the future, I have been motivated even more to memorize Scripture. I do not want to imply at all that this is necessary for all believers, but I do not think any habit in my Christian life has ever meant more!

Shortly after the MS started pulling me down physically, someone told me, “Don’t let what you can’t do keep you from doing what you can do.” That is one of the top pieces of advice I’ve had yet! Though unable to do anything else, I can still type on this computer (which I’m doing now) with 2 fingers, read slowly through magnifying glasses, and, at a nearby college pool, “swim” 3 days a week (with a pool lifeguard, float, etc. as aids). Philippians 4:19 is another promise that “touches home” these days.

Again, by experience, Christian fellowship means more than it used to. Weekly, a Christian friend comes for memory verse review, biweekly another for prayer, and monthly another just to talk. I am never bored.

I have become increasingly aware that everybody is disabled in some way. My problem can be seen, and maybe yours cannot, but we are all “in the same boat.” So, 2 John 3:2 and Rev 21:4 should look mighty good to all of us who have trusted Him!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Cart

Recently Added

February 1, 2023

Romans–Part 03–Wrath

Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. Today, Kathryn Wright and Ken Yates are continuing their discussion of the book of Romans. How is the book...
February 1, 2023

Being Honest with God (Ps 51:6)

The background to Psalm 51 is well-known. David had committed adultery and, as a result, murder, when he had Bathsheba’s husband killed. After some time,...
January 31, 2023

Romans–Part 02–Theme

Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. Today, Kathryn Wright, and Ken Yates continue their short introductory study of Romans. What is the theme and the...

Grace in Focus Radio

All Episodes

Listen to Stitcher

Listen on Spotify

Grace In Focus Magazine

Grace In Focus is sent to subscribers in the United States free of charge.

Subscribe for Free

The primary source of Grace Evangelical Society's funding is through charitable contributions. GES uses all contributions and proceeds from the sales of our resources to further the gospel of grace in the United States and abroad.

Donate

Bookstore Specials

  • Here Walks My Enemy: The Story of Luis (Hardcover) $13.95 $5.00
  • Grudem Against Grace: A Defense of Free Grace Theology $15.00 $10.00
  • Inerrancy for Dummies $7.95 $5.00
  • Confident in Christ, 2nd Edition $22.00 $5.00
  • Here Walks My Enemy: The Story of Luis (Paperback) $6.95 $3.00
Grace Evangelical Society

(940) 270-8827 / ges@faithalone.org

4851 S I-35E Suite 203, Corinth, TX 76210
P.O. Box 1308, Denton, TX 76202

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube