My fingers trembled as they clutched the mouse. My Facebook feed showed a post by a young mom who pleaded for someone to give her a second chance to raise her child. She asked for a kidney.
She had a son. I have sons.
She had type O+ blood. I have type O+ blood.
The words of John the Baptist echoed in my head:
Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same. (Luke 3:10)
Surely God couldn’t be calling me to give up one of my two kidneys. He wouldn’t do that. John the Baptist was talking about shirts, not body parts. But I do have two kidneys, and they both function very well.
The words of Esther rattled around in my soul:
Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)
Surely God couldn’t be telling me that I have come to this comfortable and healthy position for such a time as this. He wouldn’t do that. Esther lived in another time, another place. But I am healthy, even if I’m not the queen of anything.
The words of Jesus in Luke 12:48 clinched the matter:
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
The entire evening, I wavered between utter fear (what if I died?) and incredible joy (could God really use me to save a life?). A week later, I submitted my name and began to walk the endless parade of tests to see if I could be a kidney donor. I pledged to walk the path as long as God allowed, and He hasn’t let me off the path yet. The tests are done, I have been approved, and all that is left is to find a match. (The original mom who started me on this journey already found one.)
Some of the tests were so perfect that they left the medical doctors scratching their heads, but I was not surprised in the least. But how could I explain the mystery of God paving a path for this surgery? How could I explain that somehow I knew, deep down, that God was doing something bigger than me, something bigger than a simple kidney donation?
It seems a little wild, doesn’t it? Plenty of people have told me so. But the most wild, most exquisite part of this whole story is that it started four years ago, when I was pregnant with my youngest son. The Lord spoke a word over me, a word that I have kept to myself for so long. The word? Lifegiver.
That name, whispered into my heart during a prayer retreat, seemed silly at the time. Of course I was a lifegiver: I was pregnant. But now I look back and realize the incredible story that God is weaving. Like God changing Abram’s name and then changing his reality to fit the name, God has been slowly changing my heart, my passions, and my abilities to be a better reflection of the name He already gave.
But the true Lifegiver is God. He’s the hero of this story, not me. He spoke the word, He put me on the path, and He will keep me from wandering off the path.
What path has God been paving for you?
Has He gifted you with two of something, or given you certain life circumstances for a reason?
Has He given you much and is therefore asking more of you?
Perhaps this is your chance to give to the one who has none, or to step onto a path that others fear to tread. Let’s be brave together, because the Lord our God is with us, wherever we may go.
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Christie,
Wow what a story, what a journey, what a word….Lifegiver. So many of us when called by God, do a Jonah and run in the opposite direction. God obviously gave you the grace to stand up and say, “Here I am Lord; send me.” I’m so glad the mom, you spoke of, found a match. I pray for whomever you may be called to give life to, that God would strengthen you and uphold you with His peace. I know He’s already smiling over His obedient servant. Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey thus far….would love to know how this story ends. You will need to write again when/if you are called to donate!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Pearl Allard says
Wow! Just want to second what Bev and others have said, that I’d love to hear how this story turns out! Bless you for having such a willing heart and for setting an example for the rest of us.
Carla M. Beam says
There’s sweetness and wisdom in your words Bev. I experienced peace simply by reading your words of encouragement to this obediend sister in Christ. You are bearer of peace. Our world needs words of wisdom/encouragement, peacefulness and love from our Lord, spoken over us.
Christie says
Thank you lovely ladies for your encouragement! The surgery date is March 21, so I covet your prayers!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Christie,
You’ve got mine!!
((Hugs)) and prayers!
B
Penny says
Christie,
I’m sorry this is late,
My prayers are with you as you take this brave journey. Thank-you for committing yourself to give so graciously to others.
Blessings,
Penny
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Thank you Carla….your words really touched my heart!! What a blessing!
Blessings back to you,
Bev xx
Michele Morin says
I am speechless.
Thank you, Christie, for listening to the Lord when He spoke a word of direction over your life. It’s so easy to dismiss direction that sounds outrageous, even as we sit under the grace of an outrageous love that has rescued us from ourselves.
Blessings to you!
Christie says
Outrageous love – what a great phrase!!
Anastasia Corbin says
Thank you so much for sharing your story Christie! It challenges and encourages me to more willing to give of myself to bless others. Praying for God to bless you tenfold.
Christie says
Thank you for your kind words and prayer Anastasia!
Jeannie says
Luke 12:48 has been on my mind also…..Good Father, Make me brave for whatever you have planned for this walk. Apart from you, I can do nothing……Thank you, Christie, for putting that verse in front of me once more. I’ll be praying for you and your walk in the coming months as well. Your courage is inspirational.
Christie says
Truly, apart from Him we can do nothing. Good word!
Jessica says
WOW! Amazing devotional this morning- thank you!!!
Christie says
🙂 Thanks Jessica.
Lacia says
Christie,
Thank you for your beautiful act of selflessness. Your story is near to my heart.. in July of last year (2017), my (now) fiancé was diagnosed with end stage renal failure at the age of 29. It was completely abrupt and he had no obvious symptoms. Him finding out was purely by chance (and God’s perfect timing). As you know, having seen the process, for someone to find a matching donor is often a long and difficult process. His mom decided to go through the testing to see if she could donate. In October 2017, my fiancé was approved to be on the list. In November 2017 his mom was approved as his donor. And then, just this past January, they underwent the transplant surgery. The surgery was flawless and he is recovering very quickly.
My first instinct too was to try to donate, but after much conversation, he and I agreed that one of us needed to remain intact should our future children ever need the same lifesaving surgery.
The speed of the process from diagnosis to surgery is completely miraculous and mostly unheard of. But through that whole time I prayed and prayed and then banded everyone I knew together to pray as well. God carried us through this and still continues to.
So thank you for your donation. It is willing hearts like yours have have given me and my fiancé the chance to marry, start a family, and build a life of our own.
All the Best,
Lacia
Christie says
Wow, what a story! Thank you for sharing it with us. Love that God has given you a future together.
Amy Rardon says
Thank you, so much, for the reminder.
Christie says
🙂 Thanks for reading!
Amy says
This is beautiful and I’m so happy to see your sweet face here.
Thanks for the reminder of how God speak and works.
Christie says
Hi Amy! Thanks for reading 🙂
Karen Van Rooyen says
Your story is inspirational! Thank you for following God’direction and encouraging us to do the same, even though we may not all become donors. I am praying for the person who may receive the blessing og your Lifesaver gift. May you be encouraged and blessed in the journey.
Christie says
I’m sure that very few will become donors, but that’s ok because God calls us all to our own journey! Thanks for the encouraging words. 🙂
Tyra says
Wow wow wow! What a beautiful testimony of obedience. God called me to give Him my womb. In this He told me too, I am a lifegiver. In surrendering my womb I have brought forth 6 children who will be trained in the admonishion of the Lord. Obedience does “cost” us something but it pales in comparison to the cost He paid for us. Blessing to you as you continue to give yourself away.
Christie says
I love this! Thank you for being obedient and training your children to know and follow Him!
Joan Munro says
Dear Christie,
Your amazing story also made me think of Hannah, who pleaded the Lord for years, for a child. God heard her cries and she too, was a LifeGiver . For me, it’s hard to imagine that following my baby’s birth and dedication to the Lord, literally taking my child to live with the priesthood. Even as child, Samuel heard and obeyed the call of the Lord, helping to save the nation of Israel! God truly is our LifeGiver as He sacrificed His only Son, Jesus so we could have eternal life.
God’ blessings to you for sharing your story, encouraging us to be LifeGivers, using the life we’ve been given to bless and help others!
Christie says
Preach it! So glad for the many women that have gone before us on this journey.
Sandy says
Bless your obedience and your journey. I am in awe of your faithfulness.
Christie says
Thank you Sandy 🙂
Katheryn says
Thank you for sharing, for stepping out in faith and following the calling that you heard from God. It is rare that we hear of stories like this–incredible, inspiring, life-giving and truly supernatural and inspired stories of faith–and to share those stories and still point to God as the hero is really wonderful. Your post today not only moved me close to tears of aw-inspired joy; not just that you would even consider giving a body part to a stranger, but that God has been working this plan for that long. That He gave you a hint of it years before the plan actually came to fruition.
Christie, thank you for giving encouragement to us all to follow God’s calling even when it sounds crazy (as it quite often does) to us and impossible, or as if we /surely/ can’t be the ones He’s referring to.
Christie says
Thank you for your lovely words Katheryn! I too am in awe of what He is doing. It’s very cool. And crazy. Haha.
Sue says
God is always the hero but your reflection of His heart reminds me of Him, and that’s our daily vocation. Beautifully written as well.
Christie says
“daily reflecting his heart” – what a great thought! I love that.
Lara says
Christie, what a devotional!! I needed this message today. Thank you for being obedient to what The Lord has called you to do: to be a Lifegiver. I will also pray that I am obedient to whatever He calls me to do as well.
Praise God for Whom All Blessings Flow!
In Him,
Lara <
Christie says
Praying for obedience for you too! It’s scary but amazing. 🙂
Becky Keife says
Christie, I’m especially touched by your story because my own sisters has been on the receiving end of a life-saving kidney. In her case, my mom was thankfully a match and able to be her donor, but if she wasn’t, my sister would have likely had to rely on the generosity of a stranger. Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging all of us to ask the Lifegiver how He might want us to partner with Him. Blessings to you as you wait for the next chapter in this story to unfold.
Christie says
Thank you Becky! I’m so glad that it worked out well for your sister. It’s neat to see God’s plans unfold.
Jaime says
This was a beautiful story, Christie! It spoke encouragement and life to me, just through the words God gave you.
Prayers for your upcoming surgery, and for the plans for the life God has called you to save. Oh, how that speaks to the love He has for someone (and of course, all of us) – that He called you to step forward to save their life four years ago! He is amazing!
Christie says
He is!!
Jennifer Vroon says
Praying for your health the next while and a smooth recovery for both you and whomever is the recipient of your kidney. I would actually recommend a massage before surgery to help you sleep and for improved circulation. The night before woud be perfect… you could even book me if you want info.??
Christie says
Aw Jennifer, that’s so sweet.
Birdie Cutair says
Thank you so much for your life-giving action and obedience to God’s call for you. I will be praying for you for a successful surgery and speedy recovery, as well as for the person who will be receiving your kidney. It’s already been blessed by the Lord!
Christie says
Thank you so much for your prayers Birdie!
Rebecca Jones says
I have found that often He is just wanting to know you are willing, you may never been needed to give a kidney, but should someone be in need like my neighbor who also had a liver transplant, I know they will be glad you are there.
Christie says
For sure! The surgery is scheduled for March 21, but who knows what could happen in the meantime. I’ll keep walking until He says stop. 🙂
Monica says
Christie, thank you for sharing your story. It’s a reminder that the Lord calls us to give ourselves away – each in a different way. We have to listen for and heed His direction. How blessed you are for doing just that. I know the Lord has already gone before you on March 21. I pray He’ll continue to keep you.
Christie says
Thank you for your kind words Monica! I love how we each are called to a unique journey of love.
Emily Susanne says
Wow, this story gave me the chills and made me want to cry! What a God given heart and purpose you have! Thank you for reminding us what it truly means to give our lives for Jesus. Praying all goes well and that God continues to bless you (and someone else) with health and the joy of salvation!
Christie says
Thank you for your prayers Emily!
Beth Williams says
Christie,
What an awesome testimony! Praying for the surgery to go well!! May God guide the surgeon’s hands & give everyone peace. I’m not queen Esther or job. God calls me & I go sometimes unwillingly. He has had me on a path of caring for aging parents. From 2007-2017 I looked after both my aging parents. Hard task when dealing with severe dementia. Some days were good & others not so. Now I find myself cast back in the fire. My in-laws are not doing good. FIL has Stage III bladder cancer & will have surgery April 23. Also he has cold or possible pneumonia. MIL has cold & other health issues. Helping hubby care for them. Doing what I can , when I can, as often as I can, for as many as I can.
Blessings 🙂
Christie says
Love this. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus!
Christie says
Thank you all for your encouragement and prayers! Last Wednesday the surgeons took my kidney and gave it to the recipient. They seem confident that it was a success. ❤️❤️❤️
Diane says
My current “two of something” is rooms in my home. My 2 adult daughters have moved back in temporarily, my niece who was kicked out of her living situation, and a teenage single mom. I’m not sure how long any of them will be here (well, my one daughter is getting married at the end of April!), but it did take a death to a dream of opening a B&B to make this happen. Or should I say the delay of a dream. Yes, it is a sacrifice. Going from an empty nest to a full house is quite the reversal and an adjustment. But it also seemed like the most natural thing in the world to do. People can’t understand it. Some say they could never do it. But like you’re saying, when God is calling you to it, there’s just no turning back. In spite of the difficulties. So thank you for sharing your journey and allowing me to share a bit of mine. Perhaps others will be inspired to listen to the crazy ideas that God pops into their heads or gives them opportunities to get involved in.
Simone says
I so agree with you! Here’s hoping that more people listen to God’s voice, His ‘crazy’ ideas are the best!!
Simone says
When I first read the story, I thought it was a little loopy…I’m sure you’ll forgive me, as I know the thought has crossed your mind. But the more I get to know God the more I realise that obedience to God often looks and feels loopy! I was challenged the other day to do something ‘silly’ but it was so ridiculous that I knew I wouldn’t have thought it up myself. And in my spirit I sensed that God was saying, ‘Will you obey me even if you don’t understand?’ Then I knew for sure it was Him. So I did it. It was a first step, it built my faith, and I now know that next time I won’t hesitate as much because I know what His voice sounds like. God bless you for your obedience, it’s so encouraging hearing about other people’s testimony!
Christie says
Haha, yes I definitely thought it was utterly crazy! But the Bible (and history) is full of people that God called to do crazy things, and I’m honoured to follow in their footsteps. 🙂 So glad to hear you are going the crazy route as well. 🙂