Does God have secrets?

As I near that big “65” mountain top, it's interesting how a particular verse I have clung onto since my conversion has actually become my life verse.

 
Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.
 
Many that I have shepherded over my life, have commented that "life wasn't quite what they expected it to be" at 30, now observing from this mountain peak of 60+ years old. Like most, mine is a mixed bag, real joys, and some regrets, because I have learned, so of course, I would do certain things over, only an arrogant narcissistic person would do everything the same. However, what I'm experiencing at this moment is much more than a mixed bag. Certain things are the worst they've ever been, BUT more important things have brought Deut. 29:29 to a complete reality and I'm endeavoring to learn to embrace that with joy.
 
This whole experience of transition from a ministry that I had planned to be in until death, the valley I then went through, and then finding myself, for all practical purposes, very crippled and unable to do what I'm used to doing, has been used by my loving Lord to illuminate me to some of the secret things (lessons) for my character and produce maturity and a mind that cannot be controlled by circumstances... If I allow that.
 
Let me encourage you whatever mountain top you're on in your life, God's secret things many times will be revealed in His time before we exit this body. So as I share, please keep in context that I speak as one who is far from what I want to be, yet excited and filled with hope for what I am witnessing God do. One of the wisest men God placed into my life was my discipler, John Stait. Shortly after salvation I joined a new prison ministry, John wrote me about this as I went through my journey into the valley during transition: “Over 120 men came to the meeting…Only 60 actually signed up to go into the Prison.  Only 30 actually showed up the first night.  In less than three months of weekly visits, it was basically John Stait and Nate Leigh that showed up for the next 2 1/2 years. Many are called, few are chosen.  You, Sir, are one of the chosen. Just cooperate.”

What I've learned through this "bone-on-bone" pain and all it encompasses are, manifold, yet, the most precious secret is the fruit of perseverance while resting in His grace, but that requires cooperation with His Spirit. Due to my income, I was put out of our medical insurance and placed on Medicaid, which carries its own set of rules for procedures like hip replacement. So to get on the list to get a date for surgery there are quite a few requirements I had to do. One of them was "weight"… which meant I was going to have to "wait"... Until I lost “half a person”!
 
Yesterday I was told I'm on the list. I have lost 52 pounds and have no plans of stopping. If you're interested in knowing, write me, but I will tell you it's not from a “diet”. Every time I've used a "diet" I've gained weight. 
 
During this time, there are so many things that are truths illuminated to me because my God is intimate and wants me to grow while dealing with pain, not losing hope, depending on His grace, and the sweat of perseverance. I want to say this to all of you that may be “fatties” like me.
Why don't I have any pictures? That is my conviction only, but after talking with two overweight women, I realized to begin this journey you have to start by accepting how you look and thanking God while allowing the Holy Spirit to produce a conviction of needing to take better care of the temple God has given you. God can show you how to do it, however,  if all you get is a skinny body yet keep an immature character or worse, produce a spiritual arrogance that now you think you're better because there's less of you, you gain nothing! Go to God in your secret place and He will illuminate some of His secrets if He knows you're ready to receive them.