Just as I am

by Pastor Larry Sorrells,

Rockville, Trinity UMC

When looking at the life of Jesus, we see a man who respected, encouraged, and supported women throughout his ministry. He was unusual in his day as life was very difficult, particularly for women. This week, I would like to remind you of the story of the woman at the well (John 4:4-42). She was a woman who had been married multiple times, had a poor reputation, was ostracized by people of her community, but found acceptance in Jesus, who changed her life. He has a way of doing that.

Charlotte Elliott was a sickly English woman who refused to do things she was asked to do and blame it on her illness. Her brother, a pastor, had persistently tried to get her to overcome her self-pity and get involved in doing something positive. But Charlotte had always refused. “I’m not feeling up to it. I’m an invalid, you know. I just don’t think I can.”

In 1834, her brother asked one more time. They were trying to raise funds for a school for young women. Charlotte Elliott was asked to help or at least just to go to the event and do something, anything. But again, she refused, she was just too tired, too sick. So, finally the family left for the event and she was home alone.

That night, Charlotte Elliott began to think about how sickness was taking over her life. She began to feel ashamed, because she came to see how much of life she was missing. She realized that that her brokenness had become the most important thing, perhaps the only thing, in her life. That night, Charlotte Elliott heard the call of God. Out of her restlessness, out of her self-loathing, she wrote, “Just as I am, without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me, and that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come. Just as I am and waiting not.. just as I am, with many a conflict, many a doubt. Yes, just as I am, poor, wretched, blind… just as I am, I come.” Yes, I’m a mess, but I am coming. Without one plea, without excuses.

Charlotte Elliott learned a lesson Paul had learned: her handicaps are not handicaps but challenges; difficult lives are no problem for Christ; brokenness is but a step on the way to wholeness; that feeling like you are nothing, is not a barrier to following and serving Jesus. In Christ, you are always welcome, no matter your personal circumstances. Blessings, I hope to speak with you soon.