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Books about Christian miracles and overcoming disability are some of the most powerful stories because they show us that our biggest challenges can often lead to our greatest triumphs.
Jimmy Mulzet’s life is one of these stories.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, his journey is all about finding purpose in weakness.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.–2 Corinthians 12:9
Even though he was told he would never walk, with faith, he ran marathons. He was given a life of limits, but he found a life of amazing purpose, beating the odds with resilience and determination.
A Difficult Start in Life
When Jimmy Mulzet was just six months old, something went wrong.
“The back of my head swelled up like a balloon,” he writes. “I could not hold my head up, and my body was like a rag doll.”
Doctors did not know what to do with him, telling his parents he might die. And if he lived, they said, he would be an “invalid” who could not do much with anything.
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After a series of tests, Jimmy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects movement and muscle coordination.
This meant his brain had trouble telling his body how to move. He was determined despite not being able to walk or talk clearly. As such, he spent much of his early childhood in hospitals, feeling scared and alone.
Like many children facing such hardships, Jimmy experienced isolation and uncertainty from a very young age.
His parents, though, never gave up on him, refusing to believe the doctors’ grim predictions and clinging to hope.
“We will beat this sickness that he has. He will be OK,” his father would tell his mother.
Thus, it was the beginning of Jimmy’s understanding of strength in disability. His weakness became a battleground where love and determination fought back, even as the threat of illness tried to kill his hope and future.
Learning to Walk and Trust
Jimmy’s father was determined to see his son walk.
He locked Jimmy’s wheelchair and made him push it up and down the block to build strength, pushing Jimmy’s physical body to its limits and gradually making it stronger. This routine was a form of rehabilitation that helped Jimmy gain strength and mobility and was a crucial part of his rehabilitation process.
“Daddy never left my side,” Jimmy remembers. “I would push myself all the way down the block and back again. It was hard in the beginning because I had no strength in my legs.”
Jimmy had to carry the burden of his disability every step of the way.
It was exhausting and painful. Jimmy often wanted to give up. He often felt weary, but he kept going. But his parents would not let him.
His mother taught him to pray, even when he was angry at God.
Jimmy shares, “I was mad at God that He’d made me this way—but God had His plan. Even now, when I go to bed, I never close my eyes until I have finished my prayers.” He had to suffer through difficult emotions and doubts, but he persevered.
If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.–2 Corinthians 11:30
This was his first lesson in spiritual growth through suffering. He learned that prayer wasn’t just for good times. It was for all times.
He says, “Prayer is so powerful. I enjoy talking to God—even when I’m mad at Him. It makes me feel better.”
He would make a request to God for strength to keep going.
One day, with his father watching, Jimmy decided it was time. He had to choose to try, despite the odds. He stood up from his chair and took his first steps. Everyone clapped. It was a miracle built on hard work and faith.
A Life of Amazing Adventures
Jimmy’s life did not just become normal. It became extraordinary. His story is a powerful lesson in God’s purpose in trials. What looked like a limitation became the very thing that opened incredible doors. Jimmy’s inspirational journey shows how faith and perseverance can transform adversity into remarkable achievements.
He got a job with the City University of New York and became a civil servant. He lived on his own in his own apartment, a huge step for anyone with a significant disability. But he didn’t stop there.
He ran the New York City Marathon. With the help of a coach, he trained for months. He crossed the finish line not once, but multiple times over the years. In those moments of exhaustion, Jimmy felt truly saved by his faith and perseverance.
He climbed the Empire State Building, walking up 86 flights of stairs to prove his strength and willpower. He was determined not to miss any opportunity for growth that God placed before him.
Jimmy has also become an advocate for people with disabilities, using his experiences to raise awareness and inspire change.
He even met Pope John Paul II during the 1993 World Youth Day in Denver. Jimmy was chosen to speak in front of the Pope and a crowd of 250,000 people. He told his story and declared, “I love God!” The Pope embraced him, telling him, “God loves you.”
It was a moment of profound redemption in weakness, and Jimmy felt God’s presence spread over him in that unforgettable encounter.
Through all these adventures, it was clear that God was working through Jimmy’s life, using every challenge and triumph for a greater purpose.
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The Lessons We Can Learn
Jimmy’s story is full of life lessons from hardship. He shows us that our problems do not have to define us. Instead, they can refine us. One of the most important lessons from Jimmy’s life is overcoming obstacles—his journey demonstrates that no matter how difficult the circumstances, it is possible to rise above them.
He learned that “God helps those who help themselves.” You must do your part, and trust that God will do His.
He also learned to look for the small miracles. “Miracles happen—even today,” he says. “I believe we have to look for the small miracles: getting better after we’re sick, being able to walk, and so forth.”
His entire life is a testament to this belief. From a boy who couldn’t walk to a man who ran a marathon, his story is a living miracle. The result of Jimmy’s faith and perseverance is a life that inspires others and brings glory to God.
Jimmy Mulzet serves as a role model for those facing adversity, demonstrating the power of faith and perseverance.
Ultimately, the point of Jimmy’s story is not to miss the opportunity to trust in God, but to seize it—to choose faith, even when suffering and pain seem overwhelming.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.–Psalm 103:13-14
Ready to be inspired by this incredible true story? Get your copy of Jimmy Mulzet’s book, Facing the Challenge, Beating the Odds!
