Technically speaking, David Ring was born dead. Quick acting medical personnel were able to get him breathing, but oxygen deprivation left him with cerebral palsy. He suffered from a speech impediment, hands that don’t cooperate, and a limp. As if that wasn’t enough adversity for one person, both his parents died by the time he was fourteen years old, and his hemophiliac brothers subsequently died of AIDS.
David’s remaining family members feared that David would never have a normal life, because they assumed he would never marry, have children, drive a car, earn a living or take care of himself. As a young teenager, David came surrender his life to God and came to see his disability as a gift. Once he began to see his circumstances as being chosen for him by God, he began moving forward.
Today he is married, had four beautiful children, drives a car, and speaks to more than 250 audiences a year. At his speaking engagements he sells T-shirts bearing the slogan “Don’t Whine…SHINE!”
David Ring has taken responsibility for his life—the bad, the difficult and the wonderful. And he continues to celebrate the difference he is able to make in the lives of others.
When people wrestle with difficult life experiences, the why question often gets in the way. One of David Ring’s Axioms is “Don’t ask God why. Ask What. What do you want me to do with this?”
You may not be facing what David did... but whatever stands in your way leaves you with two questions:
“Why me?” or
“What now?”
Which one do you find yourself going to more often? Let’s take a look at each response.
- Asking “Why Me?”
How many thousands of times do you think it crossed David Ring’s mind to use Cerebral Palsy as an excuse NOT to do something. He hurt... his tongue couldn’t say what his brain was sending it... his hands and feet crippled and painful. Every person with a beating heart on the planet would have understandingly told him... it’s ok... we know you’re at a disadvantage... you’re off the hook for not reaching the potential God has put into your heart.
That didn’t happen. David didn’t quit.
It wasn’t a disadvantage.
It was an opportunity.
He didn’t question why it was happening...he just kept pushing forward.
The enemy gave him every reason to wonder but instead...
David worshipped.
You may be tempted to ask the same thing today. The world would understand wouldn’t it? They’ll tell you that your marriage can’t be fixed.... your condition won’t improve... and other lies. Will you believe them or will you hold on to God’s promise of growing you through your circumstances? Like we talked about earlier this week... miracles still happen. Sometimes the miracle you are looking for starts with your willingness to believe God can do it.
Perhaps challenge is exactly what we need to get past our insistence on having all the answers and acting within our own power...
Which brings us to the next question.... the one we should be asking when we feel knocked down...
2) What Now?
The question isn’t why... it’s what. What do I do with what I am facing? What do I need to do to leverage the calamity to strengthen my character? What does God want me to learn?
All good questions... healthy questions. And when they are honestly looked at and answered, we move forward with courage rather than shrink in fear.
When I face challenges, I turn to two verses that bring me comfort. They wholly answer the question of “what now”...
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28
“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:18
God assures us of three things when we suffer. There’s a purpose to it, it’s only for a season, and better things are on the other side of the hurt. What challenges you today will be used to strengthen your resolve... build your integrity... sure up your determination... prove to you that you are stronger in God’s power than you are on your own... and ultimately bring God glory for Who He is.
What do you do now? Praise Him in the rains... turn to Him when it hurts so bad you want to stop... look for His heart when yours is broken. He promises in His word that everything you are facing will come together and ultimately you will win. In His power and by His grace, what looks to be your deepest tragedy will become your moment of triumph. In the meantime... cling to Him in this season. It won’t last forever and neither will the suffering.
Even the darkest nights relent. Clouds part. And warm sun returns.
If you find yourself struggling today...stop asking “why me” and turn your eyes to Christ. Seek His path through the wilderness. Your “Happily Ever After” awaits on the other side.
