Ryan Wilhite

“Faith In The Fire”

What are you thankful for today? I have so much to be grateful for every single day, even while I’m going through the fire and feel like I’m running on empty. 

My wife rang the bell last Thursday at Siteman cancer center, as she finished her last day of radiation. The Holy Spirit has moved in mighty ways through all of this.

His hand was on every single detail and guided us every step of the way. 

Breast cancer never defined her because she is a daughter of the Most High. Our identity is in Christ alone. 

God has given us both so much peace on this journey and have felt His presence stronger than ever. Yes we’ve had our tough moments or days as we’re all human.

God is always with us though and ready to pick us back up. Fear of the unknowns or even scared of dying. 

Even though we know where we’re going that can be scary thinking about leaving our kids or loved ones behind.

Tomorrow isn’t even promised and life is but a  vapor. This life is so short compared to eternity and our only hope is in Jesus and what He did on the cross for us. 

It’s important to also remember that we aren’t fighting against flesh and blood. There’s so many attacks from the enemy and spiritual warfare when you’re walking closely with God.

We’ve been hit with some tough circumstances outside of this and the farm. But God is working it all out for a much greater purpose. There so much refining in the fire and that’s a never ending process. 

When me and my wife got married in August of 2024, one of our biggest prayers was that God would use both of us to help people and bring glory to Him.

I’ll never forget my wife saying that the devil would probably attack us quite a bit because of that. And he has done just that.

The day I got married, God did a huge shift in my life. He forced me to be still and I finally surrendered it all to Him. He’s given me a peace that doesn’t make sense ever since.

At the same time I’ve been hit with the hardest circumstances of my entire life these last two years. God is so good though and I’m extremely thankful for everything. Even the hard times. 

Ephesians 6:12 says “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

God doesn’t promise us that weapons won’t be formed against us, but He does promise that they will never prosper. 

If you’re feeling like all hope has been lost and knocked you down hard, know that God is still with you and will help you through it. 

We’ve seen so many miracles this winter and throughout each day. When God opens your eyes, you’ll see miracles in every little detail. 

Back when my wife had surgery in January. I had the opportunity to take care of her 24/7 for a few weeks while recovering.

Heading into it I was a little nervous, but knew with Gods strength and guidance, everything would be alright. 

I’m a farmer and not a nurse. Just talking about medical problems or procedures has made me pass out in the past. 

As embarrassing as that sounds I’ve always had a weak stomach when it comes to things like that. God set the situation up to look impossible as He usually does.

After surgery she had drains to get rid of blood every few hours. This required me to drain them and take care of all of that while she was in recovery. 

God gave me so much peace and guided every little move during that time. I never had any issues or felt sick. There’s only one explanation for that and that is God.

I’m so proud of my wife and she has inspired so many people. One of her first prayers when she got the news was that God would use it all for a greater purpose and to give people hope.

He’s done just that. When we first went public with the news, God spread it to over a millions people. Thousands reached out with prayers and testimony.

She definitely heard God right when He told her He would use it all for the good and His glory. He’s given her so much strength and peace. 

God has grown my faith and relationship with Him through all of this. He’s also helped both of our sons as I’m sure it was very scary for them when they got the news about their mom.

Our marriage continues to grow stronger every day with Gods help and my family is the greatest blessing I’ve ever received outside of salvation. 

James 1:17 says “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” 

We’re so thankful God has healed my wife and removed the cancer. He has guided the Doctors and every little decision we’ve had to make. 

This journey isn’t over, there’s always a chance it can come back or have other issues. Continued prayers for guidance on treatments and anything else thrown our way. 

Even if things don’t go as we’d prayed for, planned or hoped, God is still good and our hope is in Him alone.

There is no coincidences with God and nothing is wasted. What was meant to harm us from the enemy will have the biggest eternal impacts. 

Isaiah 43:2 says “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

There are so many things out of our control. Cancer, depression, anxiety, health issues with no cure, financial crisis, storms, addiction, loss of loved ones or broken relationships, abuse, people hurting us and so many other devastating circumstances.

One thing that will never fail us though is God. People, money and things of this world will always fail us, but He never will. God is there to help us through all

Don’t ever forget how much God loves you and that if you’re still breathing, He has a plan and purpose for your life. 

Surrender daily and let the Holy Spirit guide you. Always put your trust in the One who created you in His image and loves us unconditionally!