We Are All Disabled Until We Get Our Spiritual Legs

One day, I could no longer walk. It was as simple as that. I was diagnosed with CMT. CMT is a genetic disorder due to a defective gene that destroys the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves in the body's extremities. CMT causes weakness in arms, legs, hands, and feet until they no longer respond when the brain sends a message to "move". Over time, progressive peripheral neuropathy inhibits movement and balance. Thus the symptoms of stumbling, tripping, falling, and eventually, any muscle affected will no longer respond to messages sent from the brain. Though the symptoms of my disorder began in my 30's it has been a gradual destructive process. By the time I reached my 50's, I required the use of a cane that eventually has now led to life in a wheelchair. There were no warnings or indications early on. I was an active, healthy young adult. As time has passed, I have learned to deal with the pain and lack of mobility. I'm not writing this blog for sympathy. God knows I don't like admitting I'm disabled, but He has urged me to surrender what pride I still cling to that I might bring a spiritual lesson to teach you.

Scripture describes the Christian life as a daily "walk" (1 John 1:17 and 3 John 3-4). Ironic for me since I cannot physically walk, yet I am walking in the ways of the Lord! I want us to realize this allegorically, our SPIRITUAL LEGS can become weak, we cannot walk properly, and we need medical care. When we are spiritually ill, we need The Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), a mirror for examination (James 1:22-25), and a visit to the Great Physician (Deuteronomy 32:39; Psalm 103:3). As humans, when physical injuries come we can adapt and work around those injuries through a measure of self-sufficiency that can sustain us. We rely upon own our senses that direct us to seek help, whether by our own hands, with help from a friend, or by seeking out someone in the medical profession. The choices are varied. However, it is not the same in the spiritual sense. We have only one choice, in that, we must depend completely on the Lord to heal us. "It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23 NKJV). "Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Spiritually, things will not get better with time because our faith will wither without constant attention. Clinging to the Great Physician is our only hope (Deuteronomy 32:39). We can listen to a variety of people and their opinions, or we can go to the only one who is truly knowledgeable about our condition. Dining on spiritually healthy food (scriptures) and investing in prayer and fellowship are required if we will return to our full spiritual health. Submitting ourselves into the hands of our Great Physician without shrinking or shying away is the only answer. We must listen to and trust Him. If we cannot walk spiritually here on earth, we will not walk in heaven one day.

Thankfully, our physical condition has nothing to do with our ability to walk spiritually. I can testify to that. Hallelujah. No matter what body we were handed, our spirits can soar like eagles. We stand liberated by God’s Spirit, lifted by his loving arms because he loves us passionately. How do you walk spiritually? Are you able to run or do you fall flat? If the latter, you need the loving hands of the Great Physician to make everything better. If you earnestly seek to live for Him, He will show you how to soar like an eagle despite any negative circumstances that come against you.
Until next time,
-Pat-
What is CMT: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/charcot-marie-tooth-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350517