Why was my daughter born with Spina Bifida?

 

Why?

God hears this question all the time. I have asked it more times than I care to admit. Stephanie and I sat horrified in a doctor’s office over 40 years ago when we got the news that our unborn child would likely never walk and never have any quality of life. They said she would probably be institutionalized and would die at an early age. We were shocked and then we were even more shocked with the recommendation that we abort the pregnancy. Stephanie and I had no idea what the future held. We didn’t sit and think about the consequences of our snappy decision. We adamantly, quickly, responded NO we would not abort this child.

Well, those of you who know Kelley have witnessed the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. None of those dire predictions came true. The picture above was taken at one of the numerous 5k walks she has participated. Kelley lives on her own in Mississippi (I hate that she is so far away!). She drives, she works as a wonderful baker, and she is fiercely independent. Kelley is a walking, living, breathing, miracle of our glorious Savior, Jesus Christ.

Kelley is the reason I love John 9:

“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. ‘Rabbi,’ his disciples asked him, ‘why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?’

‘It was not because of his sins or his parents sins,’ Jesus answered, ‘This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.’” (John 9:1-3)

I asked the same question over 40 years ago. “Why God?” Why does she have to be born with Spina Bifida? Did we do something to deserve this? Did she? Is she going to suffer because of MY sin?” The answer is clear in these scriptures. Kelley was born with Spina Bifida so that the glory of God could be revealed. He was revealed in countless stories I could share. AND he continues to reveal himself through her every day. She is an amazing miracle of God. 

If you ever doubt the existence of God, just get to know Kelley. Sure, many will give all the credit to modern medicine. I would agree their treatments for Spina Bifida have come a long way in 40 years. But, who gets the glory for that? Well, I give all the glory to God. 

The Pharisees and the religious leaders in the gospel of John tried to explain away the miracle performed on this blind man. They couldn’t. They tried to say Jesus was using the powers of evil. But, the blind man knew the truth:

“Then they cursed him [the blind man] and said, ‘You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses! We know God spoke to Moses, but we don’t even know where this man comes from.’ ‘Why that’s very strange!’ The man replied. ‘He healed my eyes, and yet you don’t know where he comes from. We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.’” (John 9:28-33)

God is still in the miracle business. I get to spend time with people who have seen the power of God work MIRACULOUSLY in their own lives. He saves people from utter destruction. He delivers them from addiction, homelessness, abuse, rape, and a multitude of other evils in this world. All you have to do is open your eyes and see his wonderful works. Just like Kelley is a miracle of God, so many others are also living breathing miracles of God. You can try to explain them all away, but GOD is the answer!

God is alive and active in a world full of sin. I thank him for all he does to deliver people from darkness so that WE will see his glory!