PASTOR’S CORNER
The Unseen Strength: OVERCOMING DISABILITIES AMONG THE APOSTLES OF JESUS CHRIST BY PAUL HATHCOAT
In the annals of history, the apostles of Jesus Christ have been celebrated as extraordinary individuals who played pivotal roles in spreading the teachings of Christianity. What is often overlooked, however, are the unique challenges and disabilities that some of these apostles faced. It is a testament to the transformative power of faith and compassion that these men, despite their struggles, were able to rise above their limitations with the guidance and support of Jesus himself. Let’s look at these disciples and how they managed to overcome their own shortcomings and deficits to serve Jesus and the Kingdom, from a Pastor’s perspective. 1. Matthew: The Tax Collector Turned Disciple
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before he heeded the call of Jesus. Often ostracized for his profession, Matthew faced the
impairment of societal prejudice. In the eyes of his contemporaries, he was tainted by association with the oppressive Roman regime. However, Jesus saw beyond the societal norms and recognized the potential for redemption within Matthew. By choosing him as an apostle, Jesus demonstrated the transformative power of acceptance and the ability to see value beyond societal labels. 2. Peter: The Impulsive Leader
Peter, a fisherman by trade, was known for his impulsive nature. His disability, if one could call it that, was his tendency to act without thinking. This impulsiveness led to mistakes, such as denying Jesus three times during his trial. Despite this flaw, Jesus recognized in Peter a leader with untapped potential. Jesus worked with Peter, refining his impulsiveness into boldness and
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January 2024
zeal, traits that would later become instrumental in the establishment of the early Christian Church. 3. Paul: From Persecutor to Preacher
While not one of the original twelve apostles, Paul’s transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a fervent preacher is a remarkable tale. Paul faced the debilitation of spiritual blindness, persecuting those who followed the teachings of Jesus. Yet, in a dramatic turn of events on the road to Damascus, Jesus opened his eyes both physically and spiritually. This transformation exemplifies the power of divine intervention to overcome deep-seated prejudice and redirect one’s life towards a greater purpose. 4. Thomas: The Skeptic’s Journey to Faith
Thomas, often dubbed “Doubting Thomas,” struggled with a form
