Testimony Tuesday - God's Comfort

My father contracted West Nile virus eight years ago. Dad was left with paralysis below the neck, meningitis, encephalitis, a feeding tube, and on a respirator. He couldn't talk and was only able to move his eyes and shrug his shoulders for yes and no. During this time we all prayed for God's will. We didn't want him to live like this, and knew that he didn't either, But there was nothing we could do but rely on God.

So many times we wondered where God was. To us, Dad was suffering. Day after day, he laid in that bed, listening to the radio or the TV. His only visitors were my mom, and the staff. We we able to visit occasionally, but, unfortunately not often. Even through these times Dad never looked sad, always smiled and the twinkle in his eye was never dim. I promised him that if he wanted to go, I would take care of Mom. That was the one thing in his life that was most important to him. He always shook his head no.

Many people cared for him, and so many commented on what a wonderful man he was. How could they know that? They didn't know him before the bite, and he couldn't talk! Mom said that this was what God wanted from him and was still using him. Nurses, RT's and CNA's all loved him; I mean really loved him! They sang to him, danced for him, told him jokes, and interacted with him like I have never seen before. Once, we even saw one of them laying with him, so that he had human contact. I believe that he helped them to learn patience, compassion, and tolerance.

Mom called a few weeks ago and said that Dad was failing. It could be days, weeks, or even a month or two, but he was not the same. I decided to go to Pueblo on Friday, August 15, before my Fall got busy with work. Saturday, Mom and I went to the nursing home and saw Dad. He wasn't very active, and wouldn't or couldn't, open his eyes. He couldn't move his shoulders and really didn't want to acknowledge that I was there. I talked to him, about the family and such, but when I mentioned the promise that I had made to him earlier he opened his eyes wide, and shook his head yes.

Early Sunday morning, the nursing home called and said that they were afraid that if they removed the ventilator, like they did every morning, that he would not be able to breath on his own.  We headed to the home, calling the family so that they could come.

We loved on him, and disconnected the vent about 11am. He struggled to breath but continued on. We waited and watched. Staff came in, and you could tell they were sad, they had tears for him.

Soon it was time; he struggled to breathe, and the breaths became further apart. With his last breath, God sent a bolt of lightening and a booming clap of thunder above the nursing home, His promise fulfilled!

Even though we had doubt, God let us know that Dad was received in heaven. It was the most beautiful gift I have ever gotten. Dad is dancing with the angels, feasting on steak, and enjoying the company of the Greatest Man to ever walk Earth, Jesus Christ!



--Barb Rosten

But a breath...

The past couple weeks have reminded me that my life is but a breath here on earth.  The length of my life is not something I can control. Yes I can influence that by healthy, wise living but in the end, I do not hold my days in my hands. He does. 

Sometimes I'm totally okay with that. And sometimes fear creeps in and I'm not. Just in the past month I've read of floods, bombings, rock slides, cancer, car accidents, illnesses....it can be very overwhelming and scary. Both for myself and for my loved ones. 

When I start to feel like what's the point I have to go back to my faith, my relationship with the Purpose Giver. He created me. He gave me breath. He knows the number of my days. He holds my life in His hands.  Every breath I take and every beat of my heart is a gift from Him. 

Do I trust Him with it? 

Yes. Ultimately I do. 

No guilt in life, no fear in death. 

This is the power of Christ in me. 

From life's first cry to final breath. Jesus commands my destiny. 

No matter what may come, He will sustain me and care for me and my loved ones. It may not go how I have planned but He is good. He never changes. My circumstances might, but He never will. My rock. My fortress. My God in Whom I trust. 

He's given me an eternal hope which far surpasses what this world has to offer. Because He's given me this hope and breath, I have to share. Share the good news that this isn't just for me. It's for you. 

Life eternal.