On Feb. 21, 2012, at the age of 56, I had a heart attack. I have no memory of it. I have taken time to ask and listen to the stories others have told me, in order to put together an accurate testimony.
It is very evident that God was in control of this entire event. Let me start by explaining that I live in a small rural town. There is no EMS service here. In an emergency, we have to call 911 and they notify the next town. That EMS service sometimes takes 30 min. or more to arrive. Let’s begin there.
My boyfriend Bob and I normally have supper together and then watch TV and at 8:00 pm he goes home. This particular evening, he tells me that I asked him to stay a little longer. He agreed and we watched TV for a few more min. (had he not stayed, I would have been found the next day, dead) Then it happened. He watched me as I turned blue and was nonresponsive. He called 911, and followed the instructions he was given. Remember the EMS? Well it just so happens that they were uptown at a meeting. Yes, uptown, in MY town. They took just a few min. to respond. (God is so good! he took care of every detail) Bob was in shock and was determined he was driving his car to be with me. The EMS people took his keys and left them at the police station, saying he was in shock and not fit to drive. He was very upset, but did as he was told. He spent the night making calls to family and friends, my work etc. I was life flighted to Parkview Heart Institute, where they worked on me. I was in a coma for two days. While I was in a coma, I remember (the only thing I remember) was hearing scripture verses now and then. I also remember there was black darkness and I was wondering, “how long God?”
I had but a second, of wondering, and then the answer came. I stepped from the darkness, into the light. I was in a place I had never been. I remember seeing the landscape and looking down at the dirt. It was sandy, dry and very fine, powdery, dusty, a light tan color. I scuffed it with my foot and watched the dust billow in the breeze. I heard two women, at first they sounded like they were arguing. Then I realized they were just upset, and loudly complaining to each other. Then I saw HIM. It was Jesus! He walked closer and closer and the one woman began to say, “Why have you been so long? Where have you been? You said you would come, but now its too late!!”. Jesus looked at her lovingly and shook his head and said “oh Mary, Mary!” She then said, “You have waited too long. He is dead. It has been 3 days and now he stinks! It’s too late!” Then Jesus said “Lazarus come forth!” And Lazarus appeared at the opening of the tomb. The women were amazed and people came running from all around to see.
Jesus answered my question and even one I have had for years about this particular story. Why did he wait so long? Because Jesus was here to bring Glory to God. Had he come and healed Lazarus when he was sick, since they were all close friends, it could have been said, it was a fraud. There was no healing! Lazarus faked it! So Jesus waited until there was no doubt. THEN HE CAME AND GAVE HIM LIFE! GLORY TO GOD!
This is what he was doing with me. I was in a coma. I had no idea what was going on. But Jesus told me he was in control and was bringing me back, WHEN IT WOULD GLORIFY THE FATHER! I understood and had a feeling of pure peace. I knew I would wait, and willingly, no matter how long it took. It didn’t matter.
I have been told that the doctors told my family that there was no hope. Even if I did come out of the coma, I would have severe brain damage and would need extensive rehabilitation. The doctors explained I had been 10 min without any brain activity. I was dead. They told my family to begin the funeral arrangements. The news was given to friends and family. However, Bob and my mom refused to give up. They decided that they would believe God and not the doctors. Prayers were being prayed for me all over the world.
Once the doctors admitted defeat, God moved.
I began to come out of the coma. The more I recovered, the more everyone could see, that I had NO brain damage. The doctors told my family that I was a miracle, and they had nothing to do with what was happening! Each day, the nurses came in and asked me questions and I answered them. They would look at me in amazement. They would ask me to do things, like touch my nose with my forefinger, or touch my fingers to my thumb, etc. Again the look of amazement when I did these things with no problems. I was eating and drinking, and even walking after a few days. One day they had me using a walker and the very next day I was using a cane. Again, looks of amazement from the staff.
Tests have been done, and the only thing they could find was my heart was enlarged. My cholesterol was “excellent” (their words) I had no clogged arteries or blockages, and no high blood pressure. No reason for the heart attack.
In about a week, I was at home, and Bob was taking care of me, as I got stronger and stronger.
God is faithful and merciful. I have no memory of the heart attack or even the first week of my stay in the hospital! I am told I talked to people but I don’t remember. I have only hope for the future and joy that I have been given another chance. But most of all, that God used me, to bring him Glory! I am not worthy, but then, it’s not about me is it? —Wendy