Each day during the month of March we will be sharing a devotional from a booklet written by Steve Love. Steve is a member of Canton First and a Traumatic Brain Injury survivor. If you would like a complete PDF of this devotional, it can be downloaded here.
Day 1
Romans 8:26-27 (New International Version)
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.
Paul gives the person with a brain injury some very good news. Depending on where the brain was injured the ability to express thoughts, feelings, desires, and needs is very difficult. We are not able to find the words we need. At time we hear the wrong words or at times we can not find the words we want to use. My brain has this problem. It is very frustrating when you can not find the words you want to use. I am glad that God knows what is in my mind/heart.
Many who have damage to the brain can not even speak, even though their mind intact and working. Many of them must use communication charts, pointing to the right square to express their needs and desires. Some survivors can’t even use written notes or technology to give a voice to their thoughts. There is no way they can communicate with their family, friends, or anyone. Yet they still can communicate with God. This is very good news.
Paul knew that even those who do not have a brain injury can have problems expressing their thoughts to God. There are times we just do not know what to say. In times like this Paul tells us, “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” God’s Sprit, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. The Spirit searches our heart/mind and knows us. Because He also knows the very mind of God is why He can intercede for us. This is great news.
I might not to be able to communicate with others, but I am very thankful that the lines of communication between God and me are still open. Following the prayers of other is sometime hard, especially in a formal church setting. But God can talk to us anywhere and is able to touch our heart/mind/soul. He can work on our behalf helping us to live a meaningful life.
“He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” The Spirit of God is interceding on our behalf. It is God’s will for all believers for the Spirit to make intercession on their behalf. This is wonderful news for those of us who with a brain injury. It is good news that God can communicate with us no natter the extract of our brain injury.
Pray and thank God that He is still able to communicate with us.
Pray and thank God for the Spirit who intercedes for us.
Pray and ask God to help us to be more understanding with other when we are having problems communicating with them.