God, why me? God, why now?

Lewis, Troy. Another Second Chance: God’s Story. Writing Career Coach Press. November 30, 2011. Paperback: 220 pages, $14.95. July 18, 2012. EBook: 726KB, $7.77  ISBN-10: 0983360774 ISBN-13: 978-0983360773 ASIN: B00954GKEC Text to Speech Enabled.

Everyone, at one time or another, questions God. Oftentimes, like Job, we examine the why. Why me? Why now? God, where are you going with this? God always has a solution. Often it is not the one expected nor the key for which one even hopes.

Paul sought the answer in Romans 8:18 by comparing present suffering and future glory.  “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Lewis sought the answers by writing this book “In my darkest moment, as I lay on death’s doorstep. Hope showed up in a miraculous way.” This is a story that is the reader’s, as well as the author’s. We all deal with health issues, the loss of loved ones, the changing of a career or some other difficulty that was unexpected. The reader can enter his or her private moments of fear, possible loss, pain, heartbreak, defeat and ultimate success.

Suffering from a rare and incurable kidney disease, Iga Nephropathy, Lewis, at age 40, became a member of the 20% of those with the disease who fall into kidney failure and end up needing a transplant. At first he tried to keep his chin up, but he like others got to a place where he could not do it anymore.

The first miracle was a brother whose kidney was a match, but then the realization that his brother had an aneurism and could not donate. Would God put a second miracle kidney in time? Lewis’s kidney function was deteriorating rapidly. Even glimmers of hope could only see him to a place where he could wonder when it was all going to end. “Just when I counted on a brother's love to save me, it was a Father’s love that saved us both. A thousand miles away, a stranger stepped up and courageously gave with nothing expected in return.”

“From time to time, [God] would peel back the curtain and let me see pieces of the plan. He would let me see sparkles of hope. He’d show me a reason for living. He’d create those miracles that let the process jump ahead. All of it brought us to [a place where were we discovered the answer to the ultimate question]. In our sacrifices lies our own deliverance. In our giving we get our return. In our willingness to serve, we are served.”

Lewis’s short paragraphs make this book easy on the eyes, and easy to read, a necessity when the pain, the loss, the unforeseen has one in its grips. The story must have been told many times, honing its design and power orally before it was written down. Even if, God’s miracle is future glory, the power is not diminished. The simplicity and understatement of the tone and style makes the book accessible even when attention and concentration are at a minimum. While not downplaying the costs and difficulties, Lewis convincingly encourages trust and confidence.