Gospel Doctrine: Manifesting The Works of God

by Nola Redd | More from this Blogger

This week's Sunday School lesson in John 9 focuses on the healing of the blind man. After the disciples asked whether the man or his parents sin caused his handicap, Christ answered that the cause of the affliction was "that the works of God should be made manifest in him." In an October 1984 General Conference talk, James E. Faust taught several ways that the works of God are shown in the lives of the handicapped. As neither I nor anyone I care for at present suffers from any physical struggles, he taught a lesson that affected my life.

As a stay-at-home mom of four young children, there have been times in my life when the women of my ward have provided amazing service. The most notable of these came from an older woman who offered to babysit one day. She literally threw me out of the house for some "me" time. Since that day, I have decided that once my children are older or grown, I will look for a young mother and similarly serve her.

What does this have to do with the works of God being manifest through the lives of the handicapped? Of course this woman's service obviously demonstrated the work and the love of God in my life. However, I am ashamed to admit that, despite having been in more than ward with more than one handicapped child (sometimes young but most often grown), I never thought to apply the same principle in the lives of the parents who care for the impaired.

In his talk, President Faust quotes a mother of a handicapped person as saying, "I could never dream of going to Hawaii on a vacation; all I can hope for is to have an evening away from home." Since I place a premium on my 'me' time, my heart literally breaks at the sentiment this expresses.

What about you? Is there someone in your ward that you might be able to give some 'me' time to? True, you might have to learn a little bit about care for someone with a disability. It might take you out of your comfort zone. You might even have to give up some of your 'me' time by letting your significant other take care of the kids while you serve this probably-worn-out sister or brother. But not only will you be serving - and bringing the works of God to light - you will probably also wind up with your perspective shifting. You may find yourself growing and changing. You might look at your body and your abilities in a new light and realize that you have taken simple things - things like sight, touch, walking, or thinking - for granted. Then the works of God will shine not only in the service you render, but in your life.

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The Positive Effects of Service

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Learn more about Nola Redd

Freelance writer Nola Redd is a stay-at-home mom to three kids, with a fourth on the way.

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