Making a Difference, Changing Lives, Inspiring Others

At age four, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The doctors told my parents I would not make it, and I had at the most one week to live! That was more than thirty-eight years ago, so it’s been a long week! The cancer that almost took my life left in its wake several scars that would remain with me for life. My growth was stunted, my vocal chords were partially paralyzed, and I would have to undergo many hours of medical and dental operations over the coming years. Humanly speaking, my life was severely hindered.When I was in the fifth grade, I felt God calling me to share my story and the gospel of Jesus Christ with others to be an encouragement and inspiration to them. Many people laughed or told me I better seriously think about that call because they didn’t think I could do it. And they were right. I couldn’t do it. But the Bible says, “I can do all things through Christ” (Phil. 4:13, emphasis added). With His power and help in my life, I could do anything He wanted me to do.

Not knowing it was customary to go through Bible college and/or seminary to become a preacher, I felt God calling me, so I started preaching. When I was in the sixth grade, my family and I lived in West Virginia. Because my family had little income, the pastor of our church allowed us to live in the basement of the old church building that was located on the other side of the small town. I went to the pastor and asked if I could use the old church auditorium to hold services on Saturday evenings.

Each Saturday morning I went up and down the street, knocking on doors and inviting people to come hear me preach. Of course, I was only a little over three-and-a-half feet tall and talked funny. Many people told me to go home and stop causing trouble. However, for approximately six months until we moved away, I preached every Saturday night in that old auditorium. On the biggest night, more than seventy-five people came to hear a little short boy, who talked funny, preach about his wonderful Saviour.

I’m sure my messages weren’t much to listen to back then. In fact, I can’t even remember what I preached about, but that was the beginning of what God would graciously do through my life.

In 1988, I graduated from Bible college and started out to be an evangelist. I had a very difficult time getting meetings; it seemed everyone was afraid people wouldn’t understand me, or else they thought I looked way too young. But I knew God had called me to preach, so I tried one thing after another, trying to force doors open for speaking opportunities rather than just letting God work in His time and in His way.

God did provide some speaking opportunities, but certainly not enough to make a living—which was very disappointing to me. Little did I realize that God was continuing to work His plan in my life.

I worked for two years at a Christian camp in Michigan, helped start a church in Tennessee, and did whatever God led me to do. But nothing seemed to be lasting. However, as usual, God was teaching me one lesson after another about trusting Him and learning to leave my life in His hands.

I soon began to learn about computers and the Web, and God miraculously opened doors. He provided me with some very well-paying jobs even though I had no professional computer training. And while it was nice to be making some money, I still wondered what God was up to. His plan soon became more clear as I was able to use the money to print and mail thousands of brochures, booklets, and other newsletters all over the world to reach people with the gospel.

As I continued to learn more about computers and stuff, God led me to develop www.inspiritnews.com. Since then countless hundreds of people have visited the site and read the clear presentation of the gospel, my life story, and other articles on living the Christian life and making a difference. One day God’s plan became clear when my father told me, “You know, Joshua, you’re probably reaching a LOT more people through your website and printed materials than you would have as an evangelist!”

God does continue to open doors for me to speak from time to time. The key is that I’ve learned to let Him open those doors rather than to try to force them open myself.

I have shared my life story, inspirational messages, and the truths about God’s Word at churches, schools, prisons, businesses, camps, and conferences all over the United States. I’ve been encouraged to see God work in amazing ways and prove to me that His Word is true and that He doesn’t make any mistakes!

God is amazing and will use our lives in ways we never thought possible when we simply learn to trust Him and obey.

If God leads you to invite me to come speak to your congregation, student body, or other group, please visit my Web site where you can read more about my life story, mission, and beliefs. You may also read comments and letters from others.

Web sites:

http://www.joshuagoodling.com
http://www.inspiritnews.com

Note: This article is a paid advertisement.

At age four, Joshua Goodling was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The doctors gave him only one week to live, but God healed him. Thirty-eight years later, he is active in ministry and outreach as a career speaker. Featured on TV, he has spoken to churches, schools, and conferences on the power of true faith in God and positive thinking. His first book, Finding True Happiness, was published in 2005. (A free PDF download of the book is available here.) Visit his website.