Ryan Wilhite

“Life After Surgery”

Do you get so caught up in this busy life and forget to let God take the lead? It’s so easy to do and He has to remind me often to step back and ask Him open doors and let Him guide me.

We got home from the hospital last Thursday and got all settled in. My wife is doing well and I’m looking forward to see what God has in store for this new chapter. 

Her surgery went great and she’ll be recovering at home for the next month. We are praying they got all of the cancer and she won’t have to have treatment. We’ve felt His love and presence so strongly lately.

My youngest son wanted to go get a haircut after school that first day back home from the hospital. My oldest son wanted us to get some food while we were out. We were going to go pick up a good supper in town to bring back to the family and run a few errands.

The first place was going to be over an hour and a half wait. We decided to try somewhere else and they were able to get us in a little sooner.

These last few months, God has laid on my heart to surrender more and ask Him to open doors to talk to people in public places. Maybe just a simple “how’s your day going” and let God open those doors and use them for His glory and to help others.

My son finished up his haircut and I was in line paying. We were both wearing my Wilhite Farms hats with my farm logo. A man asked my son what his hat said. I was able to share with him that it was my farm logo.

Then led to being able to share my testimony on how God told me to start and operation with no experience and use it for a platform to spread the gospel and help people. I had chills as I’d prayed before we headed to town that God would give us a great evening. 

Kids handle things pretty well, but I’m sure it’s tough when your mom has surgery and a lot of scary unknowns. I prayed a lot for both of my kids yesterday and that God would guide us on how to handle these new situations. 

Standing there in the hair salon that we hadn’t even planned on being in, the Holy Spirit was moving in mighty ways. The man talking to us shared some stories to and it was so amazing. He was another brother in Christ and me and my son were smiling from ear to ear walking out of that place. 

We talked about how amazing that experience was and how Gods timing is always perfect. It was exactly what we both needed. God is constantly reminding us of how much He loves us. 

One of the questions that popped up was what my verse was on my hat with the logo. It’s Colossians 3:17 which says “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

I don’t believe in coincidences, none of it is accidental. Even what may seem like a delay. God always has a plan. When we surrender our plans, schedules and comfort to God, the Holy Spirit goes before us and does what only He can do. 

My prayer is simple each day “Lord, lead me, use me and keep my heart open. Whether it’s in a hospital room, hair salon or a simple conversation, I want every word and circumstance to bring Him glory. 

When we lay ourselves down and say yes, God opens doors we never planned on walking through and He meets us there with purpose, peace and perfect timing. 

Never rush past those moments or get too caught up in things of this world. Live fully surrendered, ready to be used however and wherever He calls.