Late last night after dinner and watching a movie, I chewed a cracker with some smoked Gouda cheese. When I swallowed, the mass did not clear the opening of my esophagus and my windpipe would not open. I gagged but could not cough. I leaned over and pounded my sternum attempting to force out what was lodged.
Something was choking me; my windpipe was cut off! I took some water in my mouth to flush what had stopped in my esophagus, but I could not swallow. I spat the water out. I was alone, no one to help me. I thought I would die, but I had no fear. I cannot die. I have books to publish that I scribed for God, for the salvation of a million souls, for His glory.
Suddenly, my windpipe opened, and I took in the Breath of Life.
Sitting in my vintage faux leather chair, I reflected on this harrowing experience, and I saw the scene of Jerry, the protagonist in my book, PURSUIT, being spiritually choked while he sat up in bed during the storm that continued through the night following his near death lightning experience.
I unleashed the Sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—and slew Python.
After worship today at church, I encountered Pastor on my way out. He gave me a big chest-to-chest hug and then stepped back to examine me spiritually.
“You are a miracle!” he exclaimed. “Satan tried to put you six-feet under.”
“He tried again last night when he choked me,” I replied.
Astonished, he waited for me to continue.
“I was swallowing a cracker with cheese and my windpipe closed. I couldn’t breathe.”
“Were you alone?”
“Yes.”
He came towards me and pressed his fist on my chest.
“Life. Receive a long life,” he said.
I raised my hands in praise. “I receive that in the name of Jesus!”
“Miracle of God,” said a Sister in Christ witnessing.
“I did not fear.” I pointed a finger at my chest. “I did not fear.”
Driving from church, I thought, I was not alone. God was with me. I did not fear because I have God’s perfect love. Perfect love casts out fear.
I reflected on the prophetic word I received from a Brother in Christ while praying at the front of the sanctuary stage today.
“God is saying that you are strong. It is written in God’s Word, ‘For when I am weak, then I am strong,’ ” he said.
I thought of the endless trials and drama that I have endured, “the thorn in my flesh,” as Apostle Paul described what he asked God three times to take from him—
“Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it (a thorn in my flesh) might leave me; but He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you [My loving-kindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.’ Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Amplified Bible
My personal bible study this morning before going to church to praise and worship God led me to this—
“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous…
“Be strong and very courageous…
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Selected verses from Joshua 1:8-10)
Today is A New Day.
I am a son of the good, good Father.
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