Over the past 6 years, I have had a lot of interesting conversations with people about my legs. Six years ago I found myself with legs that didn’t work much anymore. The cause? Back issues. When I had problems that caused my left leg to pretty much quit working, I had surgery to prevent the same problem from happening to my right leg, Well, that didn’t work. Immediately following the botched surgery, the right leg was the same. Even after 25 physical therapy sessions, that built up my thighs and calves significantly, my balance was still zero. I can stand for a little while, but walking is out of the picture. I have a little strength, and zero balance. I use a walker and a wheelchair for transportation.
Some of the interesting conversations that I referred to earlier, have been face to face, on the phone, texting and on social media. I’ve had several send or quote me scriptures and say that God wants to heal every one of His faithful followers. Of course, since my legs still don’t work, that implies that I’m not faithful. Some have asked, “Well have you prayed about it?” What silly question. Like every hour sometimes. Some ask me if I’ve asked others to pray for my legs. That’s just as silly. My church family has prayed thousands and thousands of prayers.
I had one man quote me one of those healing scriptures to my face and I said, “Well, since my prayers haven’t worked, would you please pray for my legs?” Of course, he didn’t, replied that there was probably some issue in my life that was the problem. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked God to show me anything in my life that is the obstacle. So far, no response.
So here is where I am after 6 years, I believe that God either allowed or sent this trial, so that when I preach/teach on being totally committed to Jesus, it will cause people to ask themselves: “If Mike can teach this and preach this and live this with legs that don’t work, bound to a walker and wheelchair, then what’s my excuse for not being all-in, totally committed follower of Jesus?
Same is true of several people in our Hi-Land Christian Church family, who have or are battling cancer. If he/she can remain faithful to the LORD while battling cancer, what’s my excuse for not being all-in, totally committed follower of Christ?
The same is true of 2 of our HCC men who has found themselves with lungs that just don’t work very well anymore; having to be on oxygen 24/7/365, having to carry around, everywhere they go, a small machine that supplies oxygen for them. If they can be totally committed to the LORD, with lungs that have given out on them, then what’s my excuse for not being all-in, totally committed follower to Jesus?
What is totally committed? What is all-in? How can you know if you are faithful? Here are a few things to consider. First, a faithful believers are regularly in their Bible. And by regularly I mean something that is close to daily. Second, every faithful believer prays a lot throughout every day. Third, every faithful believer fellowships with fellow faithful believers regularly, especially at church with their church family. Fourth, every faithful believer makes praising and worshiping the LORD a priority, specifically with their church family on Sunday, the LORD’s day. Fifth, every faithful believer looks for opportunities to share the saving Gospel with others, even asking the LORD to give them a nudge, so that they don’t miss a single opportunity. Sixth, every faithful believer is willing to lay down their life for the LORD, anywhere, anytime. These 6 behaviors are not a complete list, but a good start. God bless you in your total commitment.
Mike “Pawdad” Sublett, Pastor @ Hi-Land Christian Church, Pampa, Texas 79065, 630-730-8015
