Small Blockage Equals Big Miracle

There are many times in life when we need help. Sometimes, for whatever reason, we are reluctant to reach out and simply ask for help. Yet, as Believers we know ultimately our help comes only from God. He is the Giver and Sustainer of our world. In today’s society, asking for help has become a personal “stain" and an indicator of much greater problems. It’s okay to ask for help. More precisely, it’s God’s plan to mirror how we must ask for help from Him. 

My issues started a week before I admitted to my hurts. Yes, even I, a preacher, am a normal person who battles pride. I do not even think I mentioned it to Lana until five days into my pains. By the time I did address it, my abdominal pain was severe to the point where I knew I needed help. I came into the bedroom on Tuesday night and said, “Lana, let’s go. I need to go to the hospital.” 

The Emergency Room is a scary place to be. I always picture severed limbs and bones protruding from the human body. This time, however, it was nothing of the sort. (I’m very thankful, but it’s “amazing” how a history of two brain surgeries, 3 embolizations, and countless other medical procedures will move you to the front of the line.) After a CT scan, the doctors insert a NG tube straight into my nose that dove down into my stomach. I passed out at this time. This was the second time I passed out at the hospital in the last 30 minutes. (If you haven’t passed out by now, you’re going to make it….we’re through with the gross part.) By giving me nutrients through the tube, the doctors were, in a sense, giving my body the nutrients it needed without the presence of food. Their goal was to allow my bowels to rest, as they had discovered that I had a blockage in my small intestine. Interestingly, the NG tube caused me not to physically rest as it is quite uncomfortable! Still the goal was to allow my body to heal itself and avoid possible surgery.

During this time, the doctors mentioned sending me out to another facility more well-versed in this type of illness. Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, Moses Cone, and Wesley Long hospitals were in the discussion. This was when we called the the church to pray. By faith, I know that you did. I felt a sense of protection, a peace in my heart, and healing through my body. The next 24-48 hours were rough, very rough. (I make no bones about it.) I begged for water. The nurse eventually brought me some ice chips. Not your typical middle of the night snack, but I took it. I cherished each and every one of these delectable desserts as the Israelites cherished manna from the heavens. 

Inside my body, I felt like the man (Judas) who purchased the field in Acts 1:18: “All of his entrails gushed out.” Or Jehoram in 2 Chronicles 21:18: we read of a man who was “struck in his intestines with an incurable disease.” All kidding aside, I was in great pain. 

Back at home, Lana and Emory were both upset. My precious wife continued to see patients, and Emory (albeit reluctantly) went to school. 48 hours later the surgeon came in my room, and I was expecting the worst. He just shook his head, and said, “It’s gone. The blockage is gone. We do not know how.” He continued to talk, but I had heard enough. We, as Believers, knew why it was gone. The doctor had done their best, but he was at a loss for words. God performed a miracle. No, the doctor never admitted it. But, I knew. My family knew. Our church knew. 1 Peter 3:12 reads, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers.” 

I was released just in time for my daughter’s 8th grade night at Uwharrie Middle School, where all the 8th graders on the basketball team were honored. I would not have missed that for anything. There I was, unshaved, unbathed, but as proud as a peacock. I was literally removing the band-aids from my body just before the ceremony. God is so good. 

I echo Paul’s words (and try to live them out) in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Thank you, God, for making a way, healing a man, and showing Your power for the world to see.