"He has Ulcerative Colitis. It causes ulcers in the colon and can completely shut him down for long periods. He should never be far from a restroom. There's no cure, but monitoring is important because it's been known to lead to cancer. But many with UC live long productive lives."

I looked at the doctor the way a deer stares into the headlights of an oncoming car. My son was much sicker than I'd imagined. Though I'd seen him double over in pain, I thought "this" could be fixed.

After all, I believed in God. I'd helped hundreds of churches, ministries, pastors, preachers and priests. I'd even started a ministry to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ and help them encourage others. I'd spoken in conferences and seminars. I'd written a book. I'd done my part!

Now the guy in the white coat says it can't be fixed. Even used the "C" word. And inside my stoic, "must be strong for everyone" exterior, I felt utterly cheated, abandoned, and destroyed. This wasn't about me. This was about my son. I just wanted him to have a normal life.

It was 2002. In the years that followed, we spent countless days and weeks in hospitals. Beverly and I got to know the staffs by name and could tell you about their families. I became an expert on what the cafeteria would be serving. We learned all about morphine drips. And every day we prayed.

There are many in the world much wiser, smarter, and more insightful than I could ever hope to be. But over the years I've learned something about this normal life we want for those we love...and for ourselves. There's no such thing.

We are to follow Jesus and keep our eyes on Him. He is The Way, The Truth and The Life that shapes us into the people He has called us to be. But here's the thing. As we train our focus on Him, we become increasingly aware of those around us.

The Way is the same, yet paths are different. The Truth is constant, but circumstances change. And while The Life is filled with Jesus' love, we experience everything from bliss to tragedy and all points in between. We may have wishes and dreams, but there is no normal life.

There's another thing I've learned. Our view of reality has little to do with God's. We see today and fear tomorrow. But His sight spans lifetimes. That's why Jesus could say, Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God, trust also in me (John 14:1).

The strength of God rises in the weakness of His people. The deaf hear His children's cry and listen to His gentle whisper. The blind see another's pain and witness God's moving hand. The mute share the love of Jesus and praise their Heavenly Father. The lame stand with their brothers and sisters and walk with God.

How do such things happen? Because in all things we have Hope! Not a list of wishes and dreams, but an expected certainty. God is good. His love is everlasting. He guides us on the right path. He is with us in times of trouble. He does not prevent every hardship, but always leads us through them.