"Professor Gus"

“Professor Gus”

One of my most rewarding retirement activities is keeping in touch with our church fellowship’s military chaplains (mostly via emails) to encourage them through prayer. This past January I communicated with Cmdr. Rob Nelson, who serves at the Naval Station in Newport, RI. He shared some prayer requests and blessings, one of which was adopting a “hound mix of some sort” who he and his wife Crystal named Gus. The unique thing about their new acquisition is that Gus has only three legs. (Many years ago long-time friends had a three-legged cat named Trio so Rob’s news brought back memories.) Gus’s “handicap” made his master think of how even an imperfect canine can bless people in ways we’d never imagine.

As I thought about Gus and the joy he’s brought to his new household several people with significant physical challenges came to mind. One is Rev. Ralph Montanus, a New York City evangelist who lost his sight at about twenty but still led a church and founded the Gospel Association for the Blind. (The theme song of his radio broadcast was “Count Your Blessings”.) Then about thirty years ago I met a godly man at a Christian conference center who was confined to a stretcher because of a neurological disease but still pastored a church. (I can’t remember his name but God certainly knows who he is.) And who can forget Joni Eareckson Tada, who at 17 became a quadriplegic due to a diving accident but has been used of God to begin “Joni and Friends” to enhance ministry to those with disabilities. These and many others didn’t allow their shortcomings to get in the way of serving in the name of Jesus and provide tremendous examples to us.

In the Scriptures we read of people who thought their perceived limitations disqualified them from doing what God was calling them to do. Moses’ excuse was, “I’m just not a good speaker….” (Exodus 4:10, NLT). Jeremiah said, “I am only a child.” (Jeremiah 1:6). Gideon maintained, “My clan is the weakest…and I am the least in my entire family.” (Judges 6:15, NLT).  Amos probably felt the same way because he “…was a shepherd, and…took care of sycamore-fig trees.” (Amos 7:14) but he answered God’s call when He said, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.” (Amos 7:15). And God honored his faithfulness.

Has God put a burden for some ministry on your heart and mind but you’re balking because you feel inadequate? If so, learn from Professor Gus, give yourself to God and allow Him to bless others through your weakness. And remember Paul’s words: “…When I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan