Teach Us to Prayနမူနာ

BEING CONTENT

What a blessed opportunity it is to fast and pray! It allows us to reset and rely on Jesus as our daily bread. It flexes our spiritual muscles and can help prepare us for all the ups and downs in life and recognize God's provisions.

In February 2022, my husband had a massive heart attack. It was terrifying, to say the least, but I can see how God provided for us repeatedly during that time.

When I got the call and headed down to the fire hall, my friend Mary followed me. She was standing right next to me when we saw my husband completely blue, struggling to stay alive and being moved from ambulance to ambulance. Oh, how I valued her friendship and support right then! I hugged her and told her, "God provided you to be here with me." God's timing was perfect, and medical help was provided immediately.

I am so thankful that the paramedics didn't give up! They provided CPR three times on the 20-minute drive to the hospital. Then, the doctors in the ER had to do CPR for the fourth time before they were finally able to stabilize and open the blocked artery. Because of Covid rules, I was prohibited from entering the hospital. This was frustrating, but thankfully, I had just gotten a new phone the week before because my old phone would not hold a charge. All communication from the doctors was done by phone. Even though my husband had survived the life-saving measures, the chances of continued survival were still slim. We continued to pray fervently for God‘s will for his life!

Social media helped spread the need for prayer, and we received an outpouring of prayer nationwide.

On day four, I was finally allowed into the hospital. I was able to keep my husband calm, which helped to get him off the ventilator and begin his recovery. Today, he is truly a walking miracle, completely healed without side effects! We have been blessed and are so grateful for God's provisions.

Questions for Further Reflection:

1. In what ways would you say that God provides? How have you seen this in your life?
2. What does it look like to take steps of faith with unknown outcomes?
3. Are you trusting in your self-reliance in the middle of your circumstances?
4. Where can you take a step of faith today, trusting that God is with you?

- Debbie Scheffer