TESTIMONY

A testimony is evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something. Many people today are not believers in Christ, and as believers, it is beneficial for us to share our testimonies in hopes that they will impact others’ lives, leading them to believe and know the Lord for themselves. This is just one of many reasons why we should share our testimonies with people, as Psalm 96:3 states, “Declare his glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people.” Your story is unique and allows you to give God more honor and praise by sharing what He has done for you. Ephesians 3:20-21 says, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

One week after my 53rd birthday, I was hospitalized after having a stroke (Feb. 21st). I’m here now to give God the glory, honor, and praise. I thank the Lord for being my hedge of protection and bringing me through. In life, people face many sicknesses and illnesses, but as believers experiencing the attacks of Satan, they can trust in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” We will experience “good” and “bad” things, but “all” these things can contribute to “good” ends as God works them out. So even the attacks of Satan, although evil, can and will result in “good,” as God uses them to conform us to Christ, His Son, according to Romans 8:29.

The day I was hospitalized, my daughter, who lives out of town, Face Timed me while on my break at work. During the conversation, she noticed I seemed a bit confused and my speech was slurred. I thank the Lord she detected something was off and noticed my condition. She instructed me to give the phone to a nearby person so she could speak with them. Fortunately, one of my coworkers was nearby, so I gave her the phone. My daughter explained that something was wrong and that I needed medical attention. I’m very thankful my coworker was there at the time; she spoke to me with love, comforted me, and provided true moral support. She reminded me of when she was in a similar situation, and I encouraged her to seek medical attention despite her claims of feeling fine. It was truly a divine connection that day, as everyone—my family and close friends— was in their respective places, ready to provide the help and love I needed (Isaiah 41:10). By the time I left the nurse’s office at my job, my two other daughters, who live here, were ready to take me to the hospital.

Upon arrival at the hospital, numerous tests and blood work were conducted. We learned that I had suffered an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot, known as a thrombus, blocks an artery leading to the brain. The clot had either not been found or had disappeared by the time I was undergoing the stroke. During my six-day hospital stay, I regained my speech and was fortunate not to suffer any other stroke-related damage. They inserted a heart monitor in my chest to monitor my heart’s rhythm, and I was placed on blood thinners. I am now seeing specialists to monitor my condition and recovery, which is going well (Jeremiah 30:17).

“I am grateful for each day and the opportunity to share my testimony with others, knowing that God’s grace and protection have brought me through. I continue to trust in His plan for my life, knowing He works all things together for good for those who love Him. I am thankful for the love and support of my family, friends, and coworkers during this time, and I am excited to see how God will continue to work in my life. To God be the glory, both now and forevermore. Amen” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).