Breakthrough
"I had drowned...I was dead for over an hour"
- John Smith
John Smith was dead. There was nothing else that could be done. John had fallen through the ice and drowned. He had been submerged in the frigid waters for over an hour. No heartbeat, no pulse. From the position of the doctors, they had no more options. The only thing left to do was to call the time of death. Then the story of John Smith would have its ending. Unless there was a breakthrough...
John’s story was in need of a breakthrough to go on. All that man could do was done. The only hope left was for a move of God. To pray and believe for a miracle to happen.
There are situations in life where this is the only option. Where God is not just a choice amongst many, but the only one. This is exactly where Joyce, John’s mom, found herself. So she prayed, then God stepped in.
“At that moment, the power of God filled that room and his heartbeat came back.”
We may have moments where God shows up miraculously and fills our entire room. While in others, it is hard to see even the smallest glimpse of what he is doing in our lives. In the midst of our desperation, we look around and he is nowhere to be found. But we must hold onto the truth that he is still moving. He is still there. The God of miracles still brings the dead back to life.
“Through a series of incredible miracles, through God just showing up, the power of a praying mom. John walked out of the hospital 16 days later.”
When we seek God, we must have faith. We must believe that he wants to move our mountains. He is not a God moving only in the stories of strangers but in the middle of our very own. And he is looking to do more than just fix our brokenness, but to transform us.
God took John’s situation of death, and not only brought him back to life but gave him a life that man said was never possible. God brought John from being wheeled, lifelessly, into a hospital. To walking out in 16 days. There is no situation too big for God. Not John’s. Not even yours.
“If God can do it for John, God can do it for anyone.”
God knew just what John needed. It was evident that John needed a miracle to live, but he was also in need of a spiritual breakthrough. John was always faced with the question of “why did my real parents not want me?” Why?… After John’s miraculous experience, God was not done working. He never is. We often look to God for breakthroughs in areas where we clearly need him, and we do. Yet God has even more in mind. He knows where the true breakthrough is needed.
“He was the only way that I was ever going to have an eternity.”
John came to the realization that God wanted more than bringing him back to life physically, but also spiritually. Through helping him with the question of why and forgiving his birth parents, he was breathing a new spiritual life into what was dying on the inside.
“God always has a plan.”
If you are reading this, you either need a breakthrough or know someone who does. Know this, God is not done. He is moving. He is prepared. We must have faith in this, and seek God through it all. We will find in the end, just as John found out. That God is always moving and looking to move in our lives, but more importantly we will find out how immensely God loves us.
“There is a father out there that loves and adores you.”
Words to Live By:
“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God” Mark 10:27 (NIV).
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11-12 (NIV).
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” 1 John 4:9 (NIV).
Dr. Ron’s Perspective:
Death is a part of life
Death is a part of life. We can fear it or figure out a way to deal with it. Our perspective on death affects how we handle it. For example, if you believe in and trust God, then you have hope that death isn’t really the end of things, but the next step on the path to reach Heaven. Eternity in heaven is something to look forward to, not fear. It is our final destination. It is believed there is no suffering in heaven. Whatever makes you feel depressed or anxious will no longer exist. It is also believed you may see loved ones again. Whatever heaven is like, it seems like a good place to be. That knowledge can be very comforting when facing life’s difficulties. No matter what you are facing now, there will be a day when it will be all better. No pain, no worries, no negativity.
Living life well
Since life can change suddenly and without warning, maybe the best way to approach death is to live well and make good use of your time on earth. What does living really mean though? Here are some ideas on living well:
- First, you need to reach the conclusion God is REAL. God is not make believe or a myth.
- Second, once you believe God is real, you need to TRUST God. God has a plan for your life. By having an intimate and trusting relationship with God, His plan for your life will be discovered.
- Third, discovering your “plan” or “PURPOSE” to your life is key to living well. This can take time to figure out, but finding your purpose for living well gives your life meaning. No matter what you are going through, there are always opportunities to help others in need.
- Finally, if you get frustrated on achieving the above steps to living well, you’re not alone. But, don’t give up, and you’ll eventuality feel confident and secure in your faith, even in the face death.
Recommended Resources:
- Breakthrough Movie
- Hope In The Dark – Craig Groeschel
- Breakthough – Chris Mclarney
- Miracles – Jesus Culture
