Unstoppable

by Nick Vujicic

  I believe there is yet another benefit that can come of major disabilities and health challenges. I think God allows some of us to be afflicted so that we can comfort others just as God has comforted us. This explanation particularly makes sense to me because I have experienced the truth of it time after time after time.

  I don’t claim to always understand God’s plan. I do know that heaven will not be like this temporary life we are living. But it can be difficult to have certainty when God does something that seems harsh or unfair. You have to take comfort and strength from Him. You can make the decision to give the situation to God by putting in a request for His help.

  The Bible says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Now, it may be impossible not to be anxious when dealing with illness, disabilities, or other life-threatening challenges, but you can find peace by putting things in God’s hands. He can give you strength one day at a time, whether you need it for your own challenges or because you are grieving for someone else.

  Know that whatever happens, there is no sickness or disease or death in the next life, but there has to be an end to all of us on earth. God’s plan is not to keep us here to suffer and die; He wants us to be with Him in heaven forever.

  Still, while we are here in our temporary lives, we have a beautiful opportunity to know God and to share His love with others who don’t yet know that Jesus Christ died for their sins. While eternal life in heaven will be great, having a relationship with God while we are on earth is a tremendous opportunity.

  Whatever circumstances you face, God will use you for His purposes. It may be years before you understand what that purpose might be. In some cases you may never know the full extent of His plans or why He allows some things to happen to you. That’s why it is necessary to put your faith in action by knowing God is with you. Even though bad things may happen, they do not change the fact that He loves you.

  MIRACLES ARE POSSIBLE

  I’m not advising anyone to give up, of course. Miracles can occur. I’ve seen many myself, and people often share their own with me. John sent this inspiring story of his miracle, which also offers testimony to his faith in action:

  I was not a religious person until about ten years ago when I looked death in the face. When I was young, I lost my leg due to cancer, and the doctors told me I would not live past five years old, at the very most.

  Well, I beat their expectations, and on May 6, I turn thirty-seven. But it has not always been easy. The cancer comes out of remission once every several years, and last year it came back harder than ever. My doctors told me that unless I started a rigorous regimen of chemotherapy, I would die within the year.

  I immediately shut them down and said I wanted to die and that I was tired of fighting. This cancer has killed my mother, two sisters, and three brothers, so I know it is going to get me someday. I was ready to go!

  I spoke with my pastor about my decision, and after a lot of prayer, I decided to begin the regimen. I was scheduled two times a week for twelve weeks. Going into my fifth treatment, they did blood work and sent the results to my doctor as scheduled. Later that week he called me and asked me to come into the office. When I got there, he immediately came into the room and was actually crying. He told me that the cancer was gone! There was no sign of it anywhere. It’s like it never existed. He was so happy, but not as much as I was!

  I continue to get checkups every three months, and so far everything is good. I know someday it could come back, and I could even get hit by a bus on the way home from work. The fact is, we never know when our time on this earth will come to an end.

  All our names and numbers are in the Book of Life. We just don’t know when God will decide to take us home to be with Him. Love one another as if it’s your last day on this earth. Live life to the fullest and appreciate every day that you wake up and take a breath.

  John’s story and many others like it that I’ve heard are proof miracles can happen. That is why I still keep a pair of shoes in my closet—just in case a miracle comes my way. You put faith into action by putting it in God’s hands and presenting your request and praying for miracles, but if a miracle doesn’t come, you can still be a light shining on earth for others. You can also do everything you can to learn more about God and by surrendering to Him.

  Can God heal you? Yes, and that may be His plan. Or maybe it isn’t. It is impossible to know, so walk in faith every day, knowing that God knows best. I have not received the miracle of arms and legs that I’ve sought, but I’ve experienced the miraculous joy and peace and trust of faith. That is more of a miracle than an illness cured. After all, you can be healed of cancer and still be miserable, taking everything in life for granted. By faith today I honestly have the joy of seeing lives transformed. This is huge! You may rejoice that you have limbs, but each day I rejoice that I do not.

  The greatest miracle is a transformation from the inside out. So believe that a miracle will come, but know that even if it doesn’t, God has a plan for you. The greatest purpose is to know God as a friend and to have the blessing of going home to heaven where no pain, no sickness, no hardship will ever find you.

  I feel badly for those who don’t believe in heaven. The thought that we only get one brief shot at life is pretty depressing. I want to live billions of years and into eternity. While I’m in this life, I try to have an impact that will last just as long. It won’t matter how much money I’ve made or how many nice cars I’ve owned. What will matter is that I’ve reached out to someone and served a purpose greater than my own.

  ARE WE A LESSON FOR OTHERS?

  I don’t believe God uses sickness to punish us, but I do believe He uses it to send a message that we need to hear. When His friend Lazarus was sick and dying, Jesus said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.”

  When Jesus allowed Lazarus to die and then raised him from the dead, many doubters finally accepted that Jesus was the Son of God.

  Could it be possible that our sicknesses or disabilities somehow serve God’s purpose? I certainly have seen this with my lack of limbs, which has allowed me to serve others through my evangelism and also simply through my example. I think about how much easier it would have been on my parents if they’d known someone else with no arms or legs that could guide them and give them hope when I was born. I’ve been blessed to serve in that role for many men, women, and children with disabilities similar to mine. My parents have done the same, advising families and assuring them that their children without limbs can cope and thrive. If we do nothing else in our lives, to give some peace of mind and encouragement to others is a wonderful gift.

  Michelle, a California mother, sent me one of the many e-mails that both confirm my purpose and humble me because I am reminded of how many people have overcome far greater challenges than I have. Michelle has triplets. One of them, Grace, was born at twenty-eight weeks’ gestation with mild cerebral palsy, which affects her ability to walk. She also is blind in her right eye. Even with her physical challenges, Grace is a good student in mainstream classes, and even better, she has a strong faith. While Grace never seems to engage in pity parties for herself, Michelle has been asked the “Why me?” question.

  You can hardly blame Grace or anyone for asking that when faced with severe disabilities or health challenges. I’ve often spoken and written about how my own mum responded to that difficult question. Michelle had read my first book and watched my videos, so she used her own version of my mum’s response to guide her when Grace asked the “Why me?” question like I had.

  “I told her, ‘Because God will use you somewhere, when the time is right, to inspire people to turn to Jesus Christ!’ ” Michelle wrote. “I actually told her it was a kind of gift—to know your purpose so early on. I know some adults who still fail miserably to find it!”

  Michelle said Grace listens to my vide
os to confirm that message, and she takes my photograph to school to inspire other kids that “nothing is impossible with God at your side!” According to Michelle, Grace has a renewed faith and loves God very deeply, even with all her disabilities.

  “I sometimes suspect I am entertaining an angel,” Michelle wrote.

  Miracles come in many forms. You’ll have to excuse me for believing that God’s use of me as a tool for helping people like Grace is a miracle of some kind. If this were the only time someone had contacted me with this sort of message, I would consider it the gift of a lifetime, but day after day the letters, e-mails, and messages come in. Many of the people send them to thank me, but really I have to thank them for inspiring me with their strength and the power of their unstoppable faith.

  Some of their messages are just incredible for the way they demonstrate faith in action applied to illness and disabilities. Adrianna certainly blew me away. She is a twenty-five-year-old who, like me, was born without arms or legs, but she does have hands and feet.

  “God has shown me how to thrive and to know that I’m an equal despite my severe limitations. Like Nick, I struggle every day with daily tasks, but with strength I look on the bright side of life.… Through Jesus, God gave millions of miracles and healings to the world. God is real, and as an example of Him, I’m one of His children.”

  Adrianna spent her first three years on life support because she had trouble breathing on her own as an infant. Like me, she has back problems, but she’s had two spinal operations to insert steel rods on each side of her spine. Still, this amazing young woman focuses on her blessings rather than her burdens.

  “I only have hands and feet, but I’m smart and have many great friends and family in my life. I also go to college so I can become a counselor. God does miraculous things in life, and I am one of the miracles. Life can be good if we choose it to be good,” she wrote.

  Adrianna has many challenges, but she has rejected bitterness and self-pity. She remains in faith, positive, and a force for goodness in this world. She inspires me, and I hope her words inspire you too.

  God wants us to be happy and enjoy life, and whatever we go through daily, we will rejoice in Him greatly and for eternity. Everybody’s different in his or her own way, but our Father sees us as equal and unique as separate individuals and beings, and that includes all His creations on earth.

  Despite our differences and disabilities and so much more in life, including things we go through as a follower and believer in Him, we are His special children and creations made in His image.

  As we follow Him, we are doing great deeds to serve Him and our community, and we are spreading the gospel and Word of our Lord God and His Son Jesus Christ.

  So, is God real? Yes, He is real. He may not be seen in person, but He is seen in Spirit.

  AFFLICTIONS AS LESSONS

  In Psalm 119, King David offered lessons on putting faith in action when faced with afflictions and other adversities. David wrote that before he’d become ill, he’d gone astray and that it was good for him to be afflicted because it made him return to God’s laws.

  My parents taught me that I should love God, not so He will protect me or give me arms and legs, but because knowing Him will lead me to life in heaven and a full life no matter what. When you are stricken with illness, disability, or other challenges, pray to be closer to God so that He can do what is best for you. This approach acknowledges that you may not know what is best, but God does. It also acknowledges that you don’t have it in your power to heal yourself, but God does. When you pray in that way, you are putting your faith into action by putting all your hope in God’s promises, which include this one: “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ”

  It’s always a good idea to pray and remind God of promises He’s made to us. I recommend large doses of prayer each day. I think they are the most powerful medicine of all. And there are other things you can do while waiting for God to reveal His plans for you.

  From my own experience I know that being disabled, very sick, or suffering from injuries can stir up fear. You may also feel isolated, lonely, and stressed out. My worst times were often those in which I chose to go off on my own rather than to be consoled and cared for by those who loved me. Don’t make that mistake. If there are people in your life willing to be there for you, accept their support graciously and with gratitude. Tell them that you hope one day you can be as good a friend to them as they’ve been to you, and then give them the opportunity to help you as much as they are willing to help.

  If you aren’t surrounded by family and friends who can comfort you, seek out professionals, a church, or other support groups. Your doctors and other health-care providers can help you find them. There are support groups for most major illnesses and medical problems, and there are also more general groups that can offer help in dealing with any serious illness.

  One thing I would caution you about is that when you face an overwhelming medical problem, you may find yourself totally caught up in dealing with it, so being ill and getting healthy again are all you think about. Professional counselors say that it is important to accept and manage your illness, but it is equally important to remember that you are still you. Don’t abandon the things you love to do or the people you love to be with because you want to focus exclusively on restoring your health. The health challenge has happened to you, but don’t let it take over your life or damage your sense of yourself and the value you bring into the world. You are more than this challenge.

  Some days will be worse than others. You may lose ground before you can move ahead. You may have to concede to the physical pain now and then, but don’t give up emotionally or spiritually. Stay strong in your optimism and your faith. Keep your sense of humor and your mind sharp, and look for moments in each day when you can find peace and joy, whether it’s just the quiet of early morning or the joy of having another day, perfect or imperfect, to share with the people you love.

  When I write or speak and describe my life as “ridiculously good,” I’m referring to the joy that I take in each and every day. Whether the weather is beautiful or nasty, whether things go smoothly or every bad thing imaginable hits, whether I’m home with loved ones or on the road among strangers, whether I’m feeling fit or sick as a dog, life is just ridiculous.

  You can’t expect every day to make sense. Sometimes your days are just comical. Other days are tragic. But for better or worse, in sickness and health, good or bad, it is just ridiculous that we are alive and breathing, isn’t it? Life itself is a miracle. You and I only get one ride on what Shakespeare called “this mortal coil,” so what will you do on yours? Will you allow poor health, a bad injury, or a disability to take even a drop of joy out of your one chance at life on earth? I suggest instead that you go for an upward spiral. If you are put flat on your back by health problems or slowed down by a disability, take the opportunity to make sure your priorities are in order, let those you care about know how much you love them, and strengthen your faith.

  There is always the possibility that God has put this challenge in your life to make you stronger, more loving, more courageous, more determined, and more faith filled. So take that possibility and run with it. Your body may be down and out, but you can still let your imagination and spirit go wherever you want to go. Maybe you’ve been too busy to upgrade your account, bolster your character, and clear out the deadwood. Now is the time to read the Bible and other books that fulfill and sustain you between treatments or visits from the nurses and nurse’s aides and doctors and technicians. Work on healing and strengthening those parts they can’t reach. Decide that no matter what happens with your body, the rest of you—your mind, spirit, and soul—will come through this restored and improved. Ask God for that gift of faith.

  NO RECOVERY, NO PROBLEM

  Of course, if you have a lethal illness or disability like mine, there is no
recovery. There is just the rest of your life. You either bail out on the time you have remaining and succumb to self-pity, bitterness, and anger, or you accept the challenge and make the absolute most of this God-given opportunity to do your best while the clock ticks down.

  I have received a fair amount of attention and appreciation for the way in which I’ve chosen to live and to serve others despite my lack of limbs, but there are so many more people out there quietly meeting the challenge of their own illnesses and disabilities with grace, courage, and inspiring faith.

  Rebekah Tolbert was born with far more challenging health problems and disabilities than mine. She was born as a fragile premature baby, delivered under emergency conditions to a family haunted by domestic violence. She weighed less than three pounds at birth but clung ferociously to life. Yet each day she endured seemed to bring more challenges.

  Eventually, Rebekah was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Her parents divorced, but her mother, Laurena, instilled Rebekah with the knowledge that her family and her God loved her.

  Filled with faith, Rebekah grew up with an amazing spirit and a cheerful, positive demeanor. Rather than feeling like a victim, she became a conqueror of challenges and a healer for others. While still in grade school, Rebekah mounted her own campaign to raise funds for Afghan refugees. She collected pledges for donations based on each pedal rotation of her custom tricycle and then rode far enough to raise more than fifteen hundred dollars for her cause.

  She adopted her grandmother’s favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 3:20: “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”