A review of “Miracle in Progress” by Chip Waggoner

Why do bad things happen to good people? It’s an age-old question, but one that is perhaps even more challenging: why do bad things happen to God’s people?

From a Western perspective, Christianity is often viewed as transactional—quid pro quo. If I go to church, give money, sing in the choir, etc., doesn’t God owe me something in return? Is there any return on my investment of time, money, and energy in God’s economy?

That’s where Miracle in Progress (M.I.P) joins the conversation. 

M.I.P. is the story of Chip and Wendy Waggoner and their firstborn son, Benjamin. And while it is not a theological treatise on pain and suffering and does not claim to have all the answers to the questions, it has powerful insights into them.  

I have known Chip and Wendy (March) Waggoner for almost 30 years, since they were single adults in the ministry I led at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas. They were active leaders, faithful attenders, and all-around great people. 

Chip did traffic reporting and onsite coverage for one of Dallas’ leading television stations. Wendy eventually joined the church staff in its financial and business office. They were soon married and “dropped out” of single adult ministry but continued as faithful, active members.  

About two and a half years later, they announced their pregnancy to the rejoicing and support of those around them. As with all new parents, the news brought joy and some apprehension… but really, they had no idea what was ahead.

But they soon were alerted to prenatal abnormalities, and the news only grew worse from there. After an MRI, they heard one technician refer to their unborn baby’s abdomen as “scrambled eggs.” Another physician even encouraged them to consider abortion.  

Thriving

While this may be a bit of a spoiler, let me jump ahead about 20 years in their story. Benjamin, their special needs baby, not only survived but thrived. Although nothing about the ensuing years was easy, they learned to trust God day by day—sometimes moment by moment—as they faithfully endured every difficulty, downturn, and disappointment. As you read M.I.P you’ll be amazed at the challenges they faced and blown away by the results.

God is good. All the time.    

Woven into Benjamin’s health challenges were insights, blessings, and joy unlike any they had ever experienced—not just for Chip and Wendy but especially for Benjamin. He grew to be a vibrant believer, Eagle Scout, and loving son, amazing almost everyone with his vibrant faith, positive attitude, and steely determination.  

But why did God allow this to happen? Couldn’t these same results have come in easier ways? Yes, but who would have gotten the credit if things had been “normal?”

Dealing with the unexpected

I am reminded of another family at Park Cities Baptist Church, Aaron and Lena Colvin. Their only child, Eugene, was born with a severe birth defect that left his legs almost useless to him. While he struggled to “walk” (mainly with crutches, using his arms to pull himself along), he wasn’t deterred. 

Most days, he “worked” in the church’s activity building, answering the phone primarily. I can still hear his nasally voice in response to a call, “Activities building, Eugene Colvin speaking.”  Every year, Eugene dressed up like Santa Claus for children’s events. 

In a wheelchair.

Eugene’s father was once asked what it was like raising their only child with such significant health challenges. He said it was much like planning a wonderful vacation to Paris. You do your best to be prepared and joyfully board the plane as ready as you can be. 

But the plane goes to Brussels instead of Paris.  

Of course, there is disappointment and discouragement. But in time, it becomes apparent that Brussels is also a wonderful place. Once Aaron and Lena realized this, their discouragement and disappointment waned as they found new joys and adventures they never imagined.  

Turn your eyes

These two stories of the Waggoners and the Colvins make similar points. Once you begin to take your eyes off the “issues” and focus on possibilities, the landscape—and your heart—change. The challenges don’t disappear, but it’s clear you’re not in this alone.

Jesus is there.  

In our frailties, Jesus is there. In our doubts and disappointments, Jesus is there. In our moments of being overwhelmed and angry, Jesus is there.  

I’m reminded of a hymn we sang when I was a child:

What Aaron Colvin likely realized, but never said, is that none of our planes go to Paris. We all end up in unexpected places, confronted with overwhelming challenges, and often experience discouragement with ourselves. We all need Jesus.  

Thank you, Chip, for your unvarnished depiction of how hard it sometimes is to find Jesus when we’re focused on self-pity, anger, and unfairness. And, while you mention more than once the joy of having a ringside seat to a miracle, that’s a little misleading.

Because you’re not just an observer, but a part of the miracle itself.

Thanks for giving us a ringside seat.