STRONGER ARMS AND FAITH
Fourteen years of active ministry hadn’t brought me to this realization as I stood by the body of baby Finley Ellison that day. Nor did missions work in the third world. It wasn’t even because of an outstanding church and a loving pastor that I was able to keep strong and brave. I was recently asked to serve as Emergency Services Chaplain and asked what role my faith had in what I do.
In my weakness, His strength is made perfect.
Our lives teach us so much about God, if we’re willing to learn the lessons. Being a church worship leader teaches me that God is as near as a whisper and always desires a closer walk with us. Being a husband to my wife teaches me that love is a choice you make every day, just as He has made for us. As a soon to be father of a baby girl, I realize that His love for me is established and unconditional. He loves me, period. And as a Christian Paramedic, I’m well aware that I save bodies and only God can truly save a life. What keeps me strong and brave is knowing Jesus for myself, and that in my weakness, His strength is made perfect.
QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND GROUP DISCUSSION
- Nate and his paramedic team know the importance of working together as a team. In the Bible you can read how Aaron and Hur held up Moses arms when he himself couldn’t hold any longer. How do you draw upon the strength of others? Are there times you refuse help? If so, why and what is the result? What opportunities are there for you to help others?
- Physical fitness is important to do many jobs and activities in life. Consider some times when you have not had the physical strength or mobility to do what you wanted or needed to do. What happened? What could have happened? Recall an instance when your physical strength was challenged to be stronger or go further and longer than you thought you could do. What made that possible? What was the outcome? What fitness goals do you want to set for yourself and what reasons do you have for doing that?
- What are some of your personal weaknesses? Think about how your weakness can be your greatest strength when given to God. Why is that and what makes that so uniquely different and helpful from physical strength or self confidence? What spiritual truths has God revealed to you as a result of a personal tragedy? How is God’s grace evident in you and how can His grace guide your life?
