I'm a fairly laid back, easy-going, private person. I like to live under the grid. I keep to myself and I stay out of other folks' way. I don't like too many eyes on me; and when I "go through" I try and do it quietly. So, imagine, if you can, how I felt when I was recently "tested" with a medical issue. Naturally, I wanted to keep it to myself; but for the past few weeks, I've been back and forth debating with God about what I want, and what He wants. It took a friend's comment on a Facebook post to remind me that "Our journey is ALWAYS about giving glory and honor to God and about whoever we can help by sharing our story." Needless to say God won and I'm simply honoring Him by bearing witness to others about His work in my life.
My story started a few months ago when I began to feel ill. Over the course of 3 days, I visited 2 Emergency Care Centers and was misdiagnosed. Day four I prayed and decided to try one last ER. While waiting for my diagnosis, the nurse reviewed my test results and said, "Something is trying to get you, something is trying to take you out". I was told that had I not arrived at the hospital when I did, I might not have made it. God was with me because I drove myself to the ER. Yeah, I know what you're thinking...that wasn't a smart move. But you must know that I thought I would get a shot and antibiotics and go back home. I quickly realized that I was in for a fight but I was unsure how big of a fight it would be. I was diagnosed with double bacterial pneumonia and I was having a heart attack that very moment. I was told the pneumonia caused the heart attack and it had been going on for 48 hours. (Who knew that was possible?) I began to pray and ask God to help me.
I was admitted to Intensive Care and remained there for seven days and in the hospital for a total of ten. I'm not a smoker, I drink occasionally, I don't have high blood pressure, nor do I have diabetes. I've always had a clean bill of health. Needless to say, the doctors were baffled and didn't understand, because I don't fit into either category. My survival was nothing but God. I know Him to be a healer because He healed my body. Psalms 121:7 says, "The Lord will keep you from all evil, He will keep your life." I also know him now to be a keeper because He kept my life. There were many times when I would feel someone sitting at my bedside holding my hand and kissing me on my forehead and when I opened my eyes there was no one there. That was an Angel sent by God, I'm sure of it.
I'll admit there's a lot I don't remember about those ten days, especially the seven spent in ICU. I was told I had many, many visitors, I vaguely remember a few. I had no idea I was even in the hospital that long until the day of my release. But the one thing I do remember is God was with me the entire time. In the moment, I had no idea the severity of my condition; I was sure everything was going to be OK. He had given me peace and never once did I think I wasn't going home.
I often think back and wonder what if...? I thank God daily for loving me and keeping me. He spared my life and I know that He has a plan for me. I'm excited about the journey and what's to come. The same faith that works in the big things works in the little things. The God of Genesis 1 who brought light out of darkness is also the God of this day who guards you against every evil. Trust Him!!
