Craig Clouston

 

Help Them Hear!

February 20

Consequently, faith comes by hearing…the word of Christ.

Romans 10:17

Paul had been blinded in an industrial accident many years before but refused to allow the blindness to limit him. He was frequently seen walking around town without the aid of a companion-dog or mobility cane. He’d taught himself to navigate the downtown corridors by using his acute hearing; he knew where he was by listening to the echoes.

While standing at an intersection, waiting for the light to change, a bystander watched as Paul stepped off the curb the moment the light changed. Dumbfounded, the man watched Paul walk across the street and into the corner drugstore without a single misstep. Amazed, he decided to ask Paul how he did it. He entered the store to find Paul standing at the counter, handing the clerk his shopping list. As the clerk went to fill the order, the man spoke, “Excuse me,” he began. “My name is Mark Goddard.”

“How do you do, Mark?” Paul said, extending his hand.

“I’m fine,” he answered, shaking Paul’s hand. “I watched you on the corner a minute ago, and I’m amazed at how you knew when the light changed. How did you know?” he asked in wonder.

Paul’s smile was as bright as his outlook. “I heard it change, Mark. The loss of my sight has heightened my hearing,” he said, then suggested, “Mark, the next time you’re downtown and traffic is light, listen for the little chunk the stoplight makes. You’d be amazed at what you hear when you really listen.”

†

Mark observed Paul and was led to ask probing questions, questions that gave Paul the opportunity to share the reason for his ability to confidently navigate life in the midst of adversity.

There are many who have never heard the message of the gospel due to the white-noise of the world. And because of their spiritual deafness they will die, never having understood that Jesus came so they might live.

As Christians, we should live in such a way as to help them hear the love of Jesus Christ.

Prayer

“Help me live a life that speaks of Your love and forgiveness, Lord Jesus. Make me a book for others to read, and a voice for those who have lost their spiritual sight. Amen.”