Over the last two weeks I have felt completely useless. I experienced a wicked depression and did not bother to reach out to others and ask for help. I also spent very little time in the Bible and in prayer. Because my chronic low blood pressure caused me to feel dizzy and lethargic, it was difficult to sit up and use my laptop. The longer time I spent away from things that would normally nourish my faith, such as God’s word, prayer, and fellowship with others, the more I began to question if I could be a tool for God with the physical and mental challenges I face. But we all know you do not have to have a disability or mental health diagnosis to feel broken down and useless at times.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Eph 6:10).
Regardless of how challenging our life obstacles can be, God still has good works for us to do. Prior to my injury, I thought I knew his plan for my life. It seemed so straightforward – share my faith, study the Bible, attend church and midweek meetings, serve others in the fellowship, etc. After my injury I felt so confused about how I could be useful if I could live out my faith in actions.
This year makes 34 years of me being a Christian and 10 years of me being a paralyzed person. The “works” that I do now as a disabled person are just as “good” as the ones that were more actionable when I had a car to zip around town in and working arms and legs. His plan for me today feels so much richer and so much more meaningful than it ever did before I was in a wheelchair. When I put aside my flesh and focus on how God can do immeasurably more than all I can ask or imagine, I am excited about what is to come!
We all feel broken down and useless at times, but we still have good works to do. We do not have to stand up at a football game with a John 3:16 sign; nor do we have to have to blitz the shopping mall with invitations to big church celebration. How about we commit to praying for three people today who are sick and suffering? Or maybe we can make a phone call to someone who needs encouragement. It does not take heroic actions to fulfill the good works of God. It is all about the heart.
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength (Mark 12:29-30).
Diary of a Quadriplegic 
You continue to encourage and help me think deeper about how God sees us. May He continue to give you strength and a voice to speak words of life to us! You are precious and honored!! ❣️
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My dear sister,
This was so inspiring as you always are. I love your honesty, righteousness and hope. I love you.
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Just read your piece this evening. Want to encourage you to keep the faith because I have been touched with your heart felt comments. Real feelings been expressed GOD desires us to honest and truth. Applaud your courage to be vulnerable. GOD work things together for His good work. This too shall pass. Remember when GOD got u through other trials. Love you 😘 much!🌹Ms Pat
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Terri, I could feel the anxiety of your struggles to get control of your emotions as you described your frame of mind. Then when you talked about getting back on track with daily faith habits, it appeared to raise your spirits. Praise the Lord that you’re able to share your world with others, show us how to be grateful for our blessings, and encourage us to enrich our souls with His Word. 🙂
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My life is richer today for your wise words. Thank you, Terri. May God continue His work in you and through you.
~ Dora
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I’m sorry you experienced a bout of depression but rejoice that you have victory in Christ. Thank you for sharing your heart and stories. God will comfort and sustain you for His divine purpose and glory. God bless you.
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Terri, I completely agree with you – it is all about the heart. Jesus made it so easy for us to keep his commandments. By loving God everything else will come about naturally. I’m sorry you’ve had such a horrible time recently. I had a small taste of what it’s like to have low blood pressure when I had a bacterial infection earlier in the year, and you feel that you can’t even lift your head off the pillow. I’ve been thinking about you and happy to see you posting this now. Thank you for sharing your experience. You are so precious.
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Good Morning Ma’am,
Thank you for always finding time to share your spirit uplifting stories to us despite going through a lot.
Reading from you always give me the courage to keep hope alive against all odds.
May the Lord almighty continue to strengthen and grant you more grace to keep being a blessing to many. Looking forward to reading more inspiring words from you.
God Bless you
Judith Henry.
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The Word of God says that the prayers of the righteous man avails much. One of our biggest spiritual weapons, and one of the simplest to do is prayer. We can do it any time, too! This is so helpful to remember when wondering what God has called us to do and especially when we’re feeling like we have no purpose or are not sure of our calling. One day we will see the fruit of all our big and little prayers and will hear people say “Thank you for praying for me.” and they will be in the Kingdom of God because of it.
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Sending you much love ❤️
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The Spirit is One! I just prepared a sermon for our congregation. It is titled “The Good Work of Love”. It is inspired from what our Lord said to His disciples about Mary of Bethany, who ‘wasted’ her perfume treasure on Him. “But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.” (Matt 26:10). Because Love cannot be bought or sold, the disciples saw Love as waste. But Jesus knows the value of Love. He received her worship as ‘a good work’ for Him alone. He said that when the true Gospel is preached, Love has a voice and a fragrance no man can quench. Lesson: Dear Nida, let nothing trouble you! It does not matter what men say, it does not matter what you feel, even right now… Jesus receives from your heart’s hand your love for Him. Your good work for Jesus is rewarded eternally! God bless you!
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We all have days when we wonder if we are doing enough but it how we react to it that counts. Your reminder to us of reaching out to God and to each other is so true. Thank you for your inspirational words – and never forget, you make a HUGE difference in this life here on earth! Love you!!!
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God bless you, Teri! Yes, He IS using you!
“How about we commit to praying for three people today who are sick and suffering?” Excellent suggestion.
In my prayers for suffering Christians, when I get to those who are imprisoned in solitary confinement, I pray that if they feel they no longer have a ministry, they will remember that prayer is a very valid ministry. I pray the Lord will guide them in their prayers, give them a sense of their importance, and let then receive enough news of answers to keep them in what might be the most powerful ministry of their lives.
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