|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "When Morning Gilds The Skies"1 (Lyrics) |
A few short weeks after his double bypass, my husband Matthew deteriorated. He was sent to the hospital in Faial, Azores, because Pico is not equipped for heart problems. The next day, I took the boat to go and see him.
The doctor took me aside afterwards and told me that they were expecting his passing in two days because of the medical information. I listened in disbelief because I was praying and believing for God to give him more time. I told him of miracles for people I knew back home who were told the same thing, and they didn't die.
As I left, I had a few minutes of a pity party cry, and then, the Spirit took over, and I walked out of there confident.
Isaiah 41:10a – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. (NIV)
The next day, I received a phone call that the boat to Faial was cancelled. I called the hospital to see how Matthew was and to let them know about the boat. The nurse informed me that the doctor was not there yet, but then, she said, "Wait a minute." I was expecting the doctor to come to the phone, but I was put on hold. With no one coming to the phone, I hung up. All of a sudden, I got a gut pain and started to pray in the Spirit. The pain became stronger as I was walking back and forth — I'm not sure for how long — but then a peace came over me. I asked God to be with whoever that was all about. I had no thought that it involved Matthew. I called the hospital again. The doctor answered and informed me that when the nurse put me on hold, they called Code Blue and were shocking Matthew. By then, he was okay and resting.
I believe that the following Scripture describes what was going on when they called Code Blue.
Romans 8:26-27 – In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. (NIV)
The Spirit was interceding for Matthew's life. Praise God, I got to have eleven more days with him. I thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit and the gift of praying in the Spirit. We are never alone. God has the last word. He is in control no matter what the doctors say.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, giver of all good things, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit Who helps us in so many ways. Open our hearts and ears so we can clearly be where You want us to be in our lives spiritually, emotionally, and physically. In Jesus' holy name, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Monday, March 24, 2025 – In the Middle East — We recently received a message telling us that one of our dear local friends has passed away. This was so hard, as we are on home assignment which makes it even harder. Please pray with us that the Lord will comfort his family and children and that Christ's name will be glorified. Help them to stay strong in their faith in the face of opposition..
friend: "Update March 21, 2025; Please continue to pray for Hilde who has had dizziness for many months..." 
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Thanks Brenda, blessings.
Thanks for the wise words, Brenda. Prayers for you.
God bless you for sharing this inspirational message.
Prayer brings peace and accepting God’s answer Yes, No, Wait.
Brenda, I’m sorry for your loss of Matthew.
(Canada)
Thanks for sharing a lot of truth there. Praise the Lord.
(Ontario)
Thank you, that is such an encouragement for all of us.
Blessings.
Thank you for sharing this heartfelt devotional with us. To God be the glory! Praying for you as you adjust to this new experience of life. Blessings.
Thank you for sharing your touching story, Brenda. It is inspiring how you felt and saw God working in your life during this most difficult time. May God continue to bless you as you bless others with your wisdom.
Good afternoon, Brenda!
Thank you for sharing this amazing devotional today. Our Father in heaven is on duty 24/7 and when we call on Him, He is right there and always on time.
Blessings!
Good morning, Brenda and my sympathy to you in the passing of your husband.
There certainly are unfortunate life happenings that we must deal with, and we are comforted in knowing the Lord will help us cope and endure whatever befalls us. He is ever present to hear our pleas and give us strength to go forward. Lord’s blessings and care be with you always.
Thank you for writing this devotional.
The Lord prays for us.
What a great encouragement.
So hard to remember in times of trouble.
Praise God.
Thank you for writing.
Blessings.
Dear Brenda,
Thank you for sharing your experience with the loss of your husband and the support you felt from the Holy Spirit during this time. I know that I have felt the Holy Spirit provide for me the peace and comfort in difficult situations. When we share our stories, we all benefit from those experiences and our faith grown stronger. I am sorry for your loss, and it is special that you had a few more days to say goodbye and support each other. When we trust in the Lord as you say, “we are never alone”. Blessings.
Brenda
A wonderful story of grace and faith. Thanks!
Blessings,
(Canada)
No Dear Brenda,
I just read your devotional post, and I am So sorry to hear about Matthew. Though I didn’t know Matthew personally your emails always spoke of such a deep love for him, and from little things you would share about him, I could tell Matthew was an extra special, caring, considerate man, with great humor and love to the moon and back for his wife!
I also love what you shared and wrote about praying in the Spirit. How true, how necessary, and how unfailing!
I send prayers to you Brenda and I know though times be difficult you KNOW who to run to and who is the sustainer and giver of life. Psalm 139:14
Mercy, Grace, and Peace to you.