Acts 1:8 (NIV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
CONSIDER THIS
Today’s Holy Spirit Story comes to us from Deborah von Brecht. It is a story of struggle and hardship and yet of persevering faith. It overflows with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. I appreciate her sharing with us all and know it will bless many who are facing seasons of loss and challenge in these days. Below you will read it in her own words and, if you listen, you will hear it in her own voice.
I was born with a deformed heart at a time when heart surgery was in its infancy. My life expectancy was three to four years without medical intervention. One week before my third birthday, I had surgery to reroute the blood flow from my heart to my lungs. That kept me alive, but not normal.
I grew up watching other kids play. I was often left out or left behind when I tried to participate. I spent more time with my parent’s friends than with my peers. I often prayed asking Jesus to make me normal. All I wanted was a normal life. But that wasn’t God’s plan.
When I was sixteen, I finally had surgery to correct all of the defects in my heart. I was so excited to be “normal.” I got to take hikes with my family, play in the band, and take PE for the first time (which I almost flunked because I had never developed coordination and physical awareness). I went to medical school, got married, had two sons, and had a thriving medical practice.
However, in my early forties, my heart began to fail. I had more surgery and procedures. None of them restored my normal life. I had to leave the career God had called me to and all of the families I had been caring for and loved. I was angry at God and full of grief. But one thing remained steady through all of this: Jesus was always with me.
I cannot remember a time when I didn’t know Jesus and feel his presence in my life. Raised in a tradition that has a prescribed way of becoming “saved,” I was confused by this. I was baptized at the age of six, not because of some new commitment but in response to a prompting from God that it was time to do so. I had no before Jesus/after Jesus testimony.
One day, my father told me his story. When he brought his tiny, blue baby girl home from the hospital, he took her into the backyard and raised her to heaven. He gave his daughter to Jesus and begged him to spare her life. I believe Jesus answered his prayers and took me into his arms at that moment. I was his for life.
This year I reached a milestone uncommon for people with my heart issues—I turned seventy. I have been through divorce, two more heart surgeries, unexplainable medical issues, the loss of my practice and health, the pain of arthritis, depression, and much more that would take too long to share. But I have always had Jesus beside me and his Spirit in me. Philippians 4:7 is a reality for me: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Through all the pain, rejection, and fear, he has protected my heart and mind from bitterness, anger, and despair. I love him more than ever and continue to serve him. His grace truly is sufficient.
THE PRAYER
Father, how we thank you for Deborah and for this testament of faith and devotion in the face of hardship and loss. Thank you for this milestone of seventy years and may we be so bold to pray for many such milestones to come. Help us in our disappointments, losses, and hardships to know your nearness, as Deborah says, “Jesus beside me and his Spirit in me,” and to be guarded in heart and mind by the peace of God. Thank you, Jesus, for the miracle of your presence. You truly are enough. Praying in your name, amen.
THE JOURNAL PROMPTS
How does today’s story help and encourage you in the hardships, losses, and disappointments you are facing in your life? Who might you reach out to with the encouragement of this story today?
THE HYMN
Today we will sing our Saturday song: “Sanctuary.” We will sing it through twice.
For the Awakening,
J. D. Walt
Sower-in-Chief
seedbed.com
P.S. Holy Spirit Stories Welcome
I would love it if you would send a story of faith from your life we might use on a Saturday in the future. We will be glad to attach your name or a pseudonym or anonymity—it’s up to you. It can be a story of coming to faith, a story of transformation, a story of healing, deliverance, suffering and sufficient grace, family reconciliation, prodigal returns, answered prayer, and so forth. A word count of 500–800 words works well. We can’t guarantee publication, but we assure you of our prayerful discernment. You can reply to this email with your story and it will come to me.
3 Responses
Thanks for this inspirational testimony of faith. It prompts me to be more intentional about living out my faith, and much more grateful for the health and opportunities to serve Christ that I’ve been blessed with. May we never take for granted God’s grace and blessings.
Deborah’s story is a beautiful example of “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This thought was developing in me when I woke up with this morning: “If you will steer and maneuver your mind toward hope, you can avoid much of the mud that messes with and muddles your mental health.”
Wow! Deborah’s powerful testimony is a wake up call for me. I now see that the piddly things I am lamenting (thinking it is in the true Biblical sense) about is more like a child whining because they didn’t get their way. Forgive me, Jesus. Lord, continue to comfort and bless Deborah in ways only You can.