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I hadn't mentioned to my doctor that I was having rapid heart beats that were occurring unpredictably, above the range of 180 per minute and lasting up to an hour. Feelings of nausea and exhaustion followed, and I later learned that the episodes were like running marathon races back-to-back.
I had made a doctor's appointment, and at the doctor's office, the nurse took my vitals and gave them to my doctor, who then came rushing into the examination room, saying, "I have got to call the paramedics to take you to the hospital. Your heart is beating way too fast!" I assured her that I would be fine and that this wasn't the first time that this had happened. At her insistence, I finally gave in, and the paramedics arrived. The chief paramedic said that my heartbeat was over 200 pulses per minute and that they would have to lower it before transporting me to the hospital. He explained that they would do that with two injections: one to stop my heart and the other to restart it.
I carry an orange "Do Not Resuscitate" paper, and it was very important to me that if the procedure were unsuccessful, I did not want to be resuscitated.
Wanting to pray beforehand, I asked if any of them knew Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. The chief paramedic boldly spoke up and said, "I do." Hallelujah! Was I ever blessed to hear that!
Many paramedics were in the room, and they all respectfully removed their hats and bowed their heads as I prayed, "Dear Lord, they are talking about stopping and restarting my heart, and that is Your department. If what they do doesn't work, I've asked that they do not resuscitate me. Whatever happens, Lord, I want You to know that I am Yours, and that my heart belongs to You."
The procedure that they performed successfully lowered my heartbeat and returned it to normal.
At the hospital, I was diagnosed with adult supraventricular tachycardia. I was placed under the care of a cardiologist, who prescribed me medication and released me that same day.
Months later, further testing revealed that I had a genetic disorder that didn't show up until later in life. To fix the problem, I had a heart ablation procedure, and I have not had the problem since.
I realize that we all respond differently to different situations, but with the paramedics, what gave me strength and courage was knowing that Jesus was raised in victory over death at His glorious resurrection, and He has promised the same thing to me and to all who believe in Him.
After Martha's brother Lazarus died, Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26 NIV)
Let us praise our Saviour today that His tomb is empty! Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb because He knew that it would be used only temporarily. Let us praise Him for His resurrection, "because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." (Acts 2:24b NIV)
Prayer: Jesus, thank You that we find such peace, comfort, and assurance, knowing the power of Your resurrection. Death could not keep You in the grave, and death cannot keep those who know You there, either! Amen.
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daughter: "Update May 19, 2025: Please keep praying for our daughter. She has another health concern which we..." 
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Amen Cheryl.
Wow thank you for sharing this.
Your steadfast faith is an inspiration to us all, many thanks Cheryl!
Thank you giving me a great truth as we prepare to celebrate the risen Christ.
An amazing story of faith, courage, and medical care. Thanks!
Easter Blessings.
Thank you, Cheryl, for another meaningful devotional. Your response to the
heart-beat situation certainly demonstrated your faith.
(Texas)
Good morning Cheremiah,
I admire your strong faith. It inspires me to try to move forward in my own. Thanks for sharing from your personal experience. Happy Easter.
Thanks, Cheryl, for another of your very meaningful devotionals. Thankfully your heart- beat situation was rectified and all is good now. Jesus is ever ready to answer our prayers when we call on Him and He is most deserving of our praise and ongoing thankfulness. Blessings for your writings and a most enjoyable Easter.
Dear Cheryl,
Thank you for sharing your powerful story with us. All praise to God for the life, sacrificial death, and resurrection of our faithful Redeemer.
Happy Easter!
(BC)
What a witness to those around you when YOU prayed before they proceeded!
I’m so glad you included those 2 verses from John 11. They have always
been so meaningful to me. How wonderful to know, love, and serve our Risen
Saviour!
Blessings to you and yours on this most special weekend.
Good morning, Cheryl,
Your devotional was heartwarming. Thank you for sharing your experience through your message today. It took my breath away! I thank God that He was there with you watching to oversee your care.
Blessings!
Dear Cheryl,
What a Believer you must be! Your life hanging in the balance, and you managed to witness for Christ!
I am so happy for you that things turned out so well. We need wonderful people like you down here, as long as the Lord will let you stay, so you can help encourage the rest of us, as you did with your “Daily” today.
Good morning, Cheryl,
Thank you for your good devotional this morning. As I may have mentioned before, I had birth defect in my heart, and in 1993 was replaced with a pig valve, it lasted 18 years, was replaced with a tissue valve in 2012. I had an echocardiogram a few weeks ago and I was told last Thursday that the valve is still working fine. We are so thankful.
Again I want to wish you a blessed Easter.
Wow! That’s quite a story!! Praise God for your boldness in prayer.
I’m astounded – can’t think what else to say!! Bless you for sharing all that! My sister has just gone into the hospital. She went to a new church last Sunday – non-denominational. Someone prayed over her and when she left … she said, “I couldn’t pick up a cigarette!!” Of course I’ve wanted her to quit since she started at age 12.
All thanks and glory to God, He is beginning to sort out all the baggage, but just think, I’m 80 years old and only now beginning to have a bit of peace between us. The Lord has kept us ‘close’ through the years, but not especially loving or positive. Something to watch for and pray about in other people’s lives.
The Lord was raised in three days – but a relationship can take a lifetime to be restored. The good news is that with HIM it is possible. Praise God.
Thank you, Cheryl.
Thank you, Cheryl. What a great witness to those who helped you!