A Pastor’s Perspective

“Oxymoron Life” by Mike Hill, pastor of Calvary Chapel Aberdeen (mjhill@ida.net)

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     The well-dressed, middle-aged gentleman rode slowly up the make-shift ramp to the podium.  As he maneuvered his scooter around to face the audience, the scooter suddenly lurched forward toward the edge of the stage.  The audience gasped as it nearly tumbled down the stairs, but stopped just as suddenly at the very edge.  Chris Klicka chuckled and said, “Scared ya.”

     Mr. Klicka was the keynote speaker at a recent conference we attended.  He jokingly described himself as a living example of an oxymoron.  He is an honest lawyer.  He is weak, but he is strong.  What did he mean by that?  Klicka has multiple sclerosis, a debilitating disease by which the immune system attacks the central nervous system causing the individual to incrementally lose the ability to use legs, arms, and other parts of the body.  He spoke concerning the vital need to put Jesus first in our lives.  “If Jesus isn’t number one in your life, everything else is meaningless.  God’s Word says, ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you’” (Matthew 6:33).   I was impressed with his genuine faith and his transparency. 

     He shared how he longs to be in heaven with his new body but realizes, like Paul in Philippians 1:24, that his family and others need him here.  He shared three things he looks forward to in heaven after giving Jesus a big, long hug.  First, running with Eric Liddell.  Second, dancing with Joni Eareckson Tada, and last, working out with Samson!    

     Does Chris lack faith?  Is his disease directly related to sin in his life?  By no means.  Paul the Apostle had a “thorn” in his flesh which some speculate was an eye disease or perhaps severe migraines as a result of malaria.  Whatever the thorn was, it caused him enough pain and suffering to motivate him to desperately pray three times for Jesus to remove it.  Paul wanted to be healed.  The Lord had used Paul to heal many people, but he couldn’t heal himself. 

     Jesus responded to Paul’s request, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2Corinthians 12:9).  Jesus didn’t remove the thorn but gave Paul something better.  Paul discovered that his weakness generated a greater dependence upon Christ.  As a result, he experienced a greater degree of Jesus’ power in his life.  Paul concluded, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2Corinthians 12:10b).  His life was an oxymoron.

     Is there something in your life that is making you feel weak?  Physical pain, a recurring illness, a difficult relationship, or an estranged child?  Jesus has the power to heal you and your relationship.  He has the power to remove the thorn.  But He just may respond to your request by giving you the grace to endure through it.  Like Paul and Chris, you will then experience a greater sense of Jesus’ power and presence in your life and shine like a star to His glory.