Whom God Uses
Theme of the Week: A Bother—and a Joy
Dave Pagani
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: All we say about ourselves is that we are your servants because of what Jesus has done for us (2 Corinthians 4:5). Bonus Reading:Matthew 25:31-40
When I left Carl, an aide asked if I'd visit Alex in his room. Alex's body is permanently twisted from cerebral palsy. I remembered his efforts at previous services to sing the hymns and the joy that radiated from his disfigured face at hearing God's Word. As Alex struggled to shape his words, I tried to understand. We talked about the goodness of God. I happened to look up at the room's two closet doors. One said ALEX, the other CARL. Then it dawned on me. Carl's attendance at the worship service must have been the result of his being Alex's roommate. I told Alex that Carl had just prayed to receive Christ. Alex threw his head back and grinned from ear to ear, excited that God had used him.
That Sunday afternoon, Norma and I discovered that we don't have to look far to bless someone else. All we need is to be willing to serve, and God will direct. Through the requests of residents and with the backing of our church, Norma and I were given permission to conduct weekly Bible readings at the nursing home. I spent time with Carl, prayed with him, and watched as he faded from the effects of his stroke. Alex remains a faithful group member.
—Dave Pagani in Decision
My Response: Today, I'll ask God to direct me to someone I can bless.
Thought to Apply: No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for anyone else.—CHARLES DICKENS (English novelist)
Adapted from Decision (6/01, Billy Graham Evangelistic Assoc.) by permission.
Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Lord, help me break loose from my usual schedule enough to savor serving someone else.
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