Michael sank deeper into a pit of depression. His life was over. Maybe not physically, but for all practical purposes. What kind of life could he have with only one leg? He’d been the star of the school basketball team. All the girls wanted to date him and all the guys wanted to be him. Now he’d be pitied, ridiculed. He’d counted on a basketball scholarship for college. All his life he’d been an athlete. Now he had nothing left. He would have been better off if the car crash ended his life rather than just taking his leg.

Movement at the door caught his attention. His parents and siblings had been by his side constantly since he arrived at the hospital, so seeing a visitor was no surprise. But who was this? Michael propped up the head of his bed as a man approached.

“Hi Michael. I’m Pastor Charlie. I was hoping I could visit with you for a few minutes.”

Michael resisted rolling his eyes. Of course, his parents sent a pastor to talk to him. “I can’t pretend I’m too busy to talk, but I’m not really interested in hearing about how God can still use me for great things. It’s too late to save my leg. The prayers didn’t work.”

Pastor Charlie raised his eyebrows. “You really think the prayers didn’t work? You came into the emergency room with severe internal bleeding. You lost so much blood it’s a wonder you’re alive at all. What I hear from the paramedics and the surgeons was that if it had been another five minutes before they found you, you wouldn’t be here today. You were five minutes from heaven. And the fact that you didn’t suffer any brain damage is truly a miracle. No, you’re mistaken, son. Your family’s prayers were answered mightily.”

Michael stared at him. No one told him he’d been so close to death. “Well, then they should have prayed for my leg. What good am I now? I’m an athlete.” He hung his head. “Well, at least I was. Now I’m nothing.” He met Pastor Charlie’s eyes. “You wouldn’t understand. You just walk around and talk to people.”

Pastor Charlie pulled a chair over to the side of the bed and perched on it. “As a matter of fact, I do understand. I’m the starting point guard on our church’s basketball team. And last month I ran my third marathon. I’m very much an athlete. But that’s not my identity. I enjoy that part of my life, but my connections with people are far more important and rewarding.”

Michael raised the bed a little higher, trying to get comfortable. “That’s great for you. You get to do everything you want to do. My athlete days are over, and I’m not great with people. I’m certainly not going to become a pastor, going around bragging to a kid with one leg about what a great athlete I am. I’m not sure why you’re here, but I’d like to be alone now.”

“Very well.” Pastor Charlie stood. “I know when I’ve overstayed my welcome. There’s just one thing I want to show you.” He lifted his pant leg to reveal a prosthesis. “You’re not the only one in this room missing a leg.”

1 Thessalonians 5:14

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

God, You tell us to encourage the disheartened. Thank You for the people in our lives who take the time to encourage us. Please help us be encouraging to those around us. So often we see our problems as insurmountable, but You are in the business of doing amazing things with people who have human limitations. Help us see what You have planned for us. As we get older, we may not be able to do all the things we used to do, but You have a plan for each of us. Thank You for Your love and Your faithfulness. Please help us accomplish what You would have us to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.