“ But He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10).
It is obvious that in reading through the book of Job, suffering is the central theme. Untold volumes of sermons, studies, and debates have sprung forth over the centuries on why we go through hard times and why God allows it. The blunt answer is that we brought it on ourselves when our ancestors Adam and Eve decided they knew better than the Creator on how to run the creation. This rebellion is ingrained into every human being since then (Genesis 3:1-15; Romans 1:18-32, 3:10-20, 5:12). Let me present the proof. A lot of you reading this are telling yourselves that you are not as “bad” as ———— (fill in the blank with your favorite despot or villain). That thought itself shows that you and I both have the same rebellious attitude. Isaiah 64:6 describes us perfectly when we defend or redeem ourselves through our own efforts.
However, Job is not merely a testimony of hard times, pain, and questions. It is also a moving testimony of unshakable faith in a coming Redeemer who will bring everlasting righteousness and restitution to His people and the creation (Romans 8:23-25; Revelation 21:5) Job knew that deep within his heart, he would be rewarded either in this world or in the beauty of eternity (Job, Chapters 38-42). Almighty God still saves, delivers, and heals people today. He does the possible when there seems to be no answer. The entirety of Holy Scripture is a written testimony of the work of God in the midst of trouble.
God Almighty is the Absolute Sovereign of all things. He has the power and authority to do whatever He wants for His grace and glory. For example, He can choose to deliver us from sickness all at once, or in His own time so as to receive glory and open the eyes of those seeking light. The testimony of brethren who have had prayers quickly answered, encountered the biblically miraculous, witnessed the most deviant of people redeemed by the Lord, and receive instant healing are both inspiring and powerful. Let me pose another question that might help someone praying for a healing, a loved one to give their lives to Jesus, or another issue. Do we have a testimony to share even if we do not receive our answers in a timely fashion as some do? Can we share with a skeptical world the truth of God’s power and authority in terms of perseverance through our trials? My own story is, I believe, a living demonstration of thanking God while undergoing a medical procedure that I would not wish on anyone. At the same time, I pray that my testimony will inspire someone else who is going through a similar valley.
Since 2023, I have been dealing with stage 5 kidney failure, and have gone through a long and difficult series of medical tests, surgeries, and adjusting to life with a tube in my abdomen as part of my daily procedure. I look at the table of bandages, antiseptics, and supplies that I use each day, along with the boxes of dialysis fluid that, quite frankly, keep me alive in the hopes that I will inevitably receive a new kidney. I have a monthly schedule of doctor’s appointments and blood tests that must be followed. I have to keep records of my treatments and supplies. There is a lot to do every day. It gets wearisome and sometimes I want to call everyone involved, have them come get everything, take out the tube, put me on hospice and allow Philippians 3:20 to come to pass. I could have taken that route with the initial diagnosis.
When I was first diagnosed, I was not in the best of shape. Over the years, I had allowed myself to gain weight and unfortunately become slovenly in all areas of my life. That included my spiritual life as well. At my heaviest, I weighed in at around or over 330 pounds, wore size 4x clothing, had a 54” waist that was expanding, and figured that any kind of ministry related work was not going to come my way. I grew spiritually indifferent and played a good game of piety that everyone, including my beloved wife, could see through like glass. Other problems were bringing our marriage to the brink of extinction. The report of my kidney failure could have given me an “easy out” of the world and the personal difficulties that I had. I could have stayed where I was and in the end, leave behind a testimony of failure and skepticism about the goodness and mercy of God. What would I have left in terms of encouragement and compassion towards others going through the same process? I had to make a choice.
I decided to go in the opposite direction and in turn, the Lord gave me the opportunity to be a source of inspiration and strength as well as show that even if He chose to take His time in answering my prayers for healing, I still had a testimony to share. I decided to fight the good fight of faith as well as fight the skeptics around me who said that I could talk a great game, but not follow through with my decision. I want to give you the specifics on what I have done so far. I decided not to throw a “pity party”. No one bothers to show up for them and it does not make things better. I decided to get up off my fat Baptist backside and do something to start getting the excess weight off. I began walking each day for about thirty minutes and increased the time over a period of weeks.
I downloaded an exercise channel on my ROKU TV and started following the instructor, who was an old dude like me. I also learned how to play golf. I got a cheap set of clubs and started practicing with foam balls every day in my backyard. I watched YouTube videos of the late golf champion Ben Hogan and a guy in California named Jimmy Tropicana (Yes, I know, he sounds like he’s from the mob) who gives the best lessons in golf swings and procedures today. I highly recommend both men if you’re serious about the game. Basically, I taught myself how to play and made myself exercise each day whether I felt like it or not. Forget all of the pills, diets, programs, or “ miracle spring water” promoted on late night TV. The key, brethren, is to make the choice of allowing your body to be the temple of God. As of this writing, I have lost 100 pounds, wear 2x clothing, have a size 38 waist, and I give God the glory for seeing me through this journey.
Second, I followed the guidance and instructions of my doctors. They were the experts in how my kidneys work and what foods, vitamins, and protein supplements I need each day to lower my blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and other factors. They helped me set a specific weight loss goal in order to be placed on the transplant list at the local hospital . Good doctors are a blessing from the Lord and not all of them are “on the take” with “ Big Pharma”. I trust their work and I ask the Lord to give them the wisdom and guidance to do their job. I am also blessed to have nurses who are sisters in Christ. My progress has been a source of inspiration and faith for them and they are more open than ever to the testimony of God’s grace.
Third, and most important, my journey through this valley allowed me to grow closer to the Lord, to be more honest and open with Him about how I feel, to ask forgiveness for my lack of commitment to Him, and how to talk with Him, not to Him. He has shown me that because I obeyed His orders and followed the plan of diet and exercise that was given to me, I also show others that if I can get through this process and still place my trust in Christ, then they can do the same. Because I decided to yield to God’s plan, He has graciously allowed me to have an online ministry of working with pastors and churches over in countries where the cost of being a disciple of Jesus Christ is often a death sentence. In talking with friends and family, I have learned that my attitude and actions concerning my kidney disease have strengthened their own faith and walk with the Lord.
All of this could have never happened had I decided to remain in my initial condition and die, which would have allowed me to be home with the Lord, but at the same time, have the smell of smoke with nothing to show for the life I led (1 Corinthians 3:12-17; 2 Corinthians 5:10). We can choose to let the Lord lead us through the valleys of life and emerge from them with a testimony of His grace, or we can adopt the attitude of the world and its reactions to pain and suffering. We can choose to shake our fists in defiance of God’s mercy and sovereignty, or we can lower them, clasp them in prayer, and earnestly seek Him. I made my choice. Now, it is your turn (Romans 10:9-10, 13). Don’t throw it away.
donaldwhitchard@outlook.com
If you would like to know more about my story and ministry, contact me at the email address above.
