Oh Father, Where Art Thou?
Pastoral | November 20, 2025 | By: Ryan Goble
The past three months have been, quite possibly, the most difficult of my adult life. It all started with me needing to have my tonsils removed as an adult—I really don’t recommend this. After 10 grueling days of recovery, I looked forward to the birth of our second son, Maxwell. Everything with his birth went well and my wife and I were enjoying our newborn.
About four weeks into his life, I came down with the worst migraine of my life. It turns out—after a trip to the ER, two lumbar punctures, and many blood tests—that I had viral meningitis. My wife came to the ER about 12 hours after I did with the same issues. After a lumbar puncture and blood tests, she too was diagnosed with viral meningitis.
The infectious disease doctors were baffled. They had never seen a case like ours before, which is exactly what you want to hear as a husband and new father. I was released, and 30 minutes later I learned that Charlie Kirk was assassinated, and then that my newborn son was sick.
The infectious disease doctors were baffled. They had never seen a case like ours.
We took Maxwell to Phoenix Children’s Hospital where he would stay for two and a half days. We learned he had the same virus we had that caused the meningitis, but he, by the grace of God and the prayers of the saints, did not develop meningitis. Hours before our newborn was released, I received a call that my oldest was having similar symptoms. My stomach dropped again, and I picked him up and nursed him back to health that weekend.
Once everyone was home from the hospital, we thought we were in the clear. A few days later, at 1am, my wife woke up with horrific pain in her abdomen. She suffered for four hours before she found relief. Later that day she had two more attacks of pain. Another trip to the ER later and a battery of tests including an MRI revealed she had gallstones, and her gallbladder would have to be removed surgically. Thankfully, she was not in any immediate danger and could wait for outpatient surgery with a doctor of our choosing.
Before she had her surgery two weeks later, I woke up on my birthday with strep throat, because why not, right? Five days later (and a week before her surgery), while at work, I noticed my vision starting to get fuzzy. I thought I was simply tired and thought nothing of it. The following day was my day off, and after a nice afternoon nap, I woke up with a dark spot in the center of my left eye’s vision.
My vision started getting fuzzy and I thought I was simply tired.
Another trip to the ER (after my birthday dinner of course), which included a brain MRI, eye ultrasound, blood tests, and more, showed that all of the scary things it could be (think tumor, stroke, brain bleed, etc.) were ruled out but the cause was not found.
I went to an ophthalmologist a few days later only to find that I have a rare eye condition where effectively a blister formed behind my retina due to stress—I wonder, how on earth could my body have been feeling stressed? The only treatment was time and less stress.
My wife had a very successful surgery and recovered quickly in several days, but I did have to manage two little boys on my own with half vision and a recovering wife.
But we made it. And then our house started to fall apart…
I could tell you more, but I believe you get the gist. This has been a very difficult few months for my family.
There were two interesting things that happened during this journey. First, unsurprisingly but also beautifully, the church stepped up to care for my family. There is almost nothing more radiant and beautiful on God’s earth than the Church shining in her glory. And boy did she shine. Thank you to all of you who stepped in to help.
There’s almost nothing more radiant and beautiful than the Church shining in her glory.
Second, everyone kept commenting, “I don’t know how you are doing it.” Our friends, family, and church family all kept remarking about our joy in the midst of this horrible situation. I was asked, “What’s your secret?” and I wish I had a more practical answer other than this: Jesus sustained my family each and every day throughout this trial.
James, the brother of Jesus, writes in his letter, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4
I have always believed these verses. I have even preached these verses. But rarely have I had the honor of living these verses. Jesus has been working in my life and my family’s lives throughout this entire ordeal. He has been closer to us than ever before. Our church has showed up for us when we are normally the ones who show up for others. We have had needs, and He met each and every one of them. Our fears were met with His faithfulness, and our tears with His kindness.
Rarely have I had the honor of living these verses.
The Apostle Paul writes, “…The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:5-7
I can’t describe it, I can hardly understand it, but Jesus’ peace was with us, and I know it can be with you.
We all go through trials in life. They will look different for each of us. Where is God producing steadfastness and faith within you? Where is He showing up in beautiful and surprising ways? Do you feel His joy and peace?
These things are promised to us—we just need to run to Jesus. Make your requests known to God, and He will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This is a promise—trust it.
Ryan Goble
Shea Campus Pastor
Are you experiencing difficult circumstances and wondering what God is up to? Our Counseling ministry offers personalized care, support groups, and resources to help you find healing and hope.
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