A Deep Breath

By Pastor Eric

Two years ago this past Wednesday, I got up early in the morning ready to spend some time in the woods on opening day of hunting season. Instead of making my way out to my deer blind that morning, I found myself in the fight of my life. I had a massive heart attack that left me facedown in the living room and in need of help. I was unconscious and barely clinging to life, but the paramedics were able to jump-start my heart and get me breathing again. They had to do this four more times on the way to the hospital. It’s a day that my family and I will not soon forget.

God was with me that day watching over me. He had other plans! He breathed life back into my lungs and placed my heart back into rhythm–giving me a new and refreshed appreciation for every single day. I am truly grateful that God spared me that day, that he surrounded me with the best emergency response team and provided me with some of the best doctors. I know that I am not my own, that I am a son of the living God, and that my Lord loves me. On that day, two years ago, I experienced God’s grace, his faithfulness, and his unconditional love in a way that has grown and shaped my love for him! 

This year, on the beautiful fall day of November 15, I made it out to my deer stand. With two of my daughters in tow, and no expectations for the day, I couldn’t help but stop and take in a deep breath of the cold crisp air. As I stood there a minute in the middle of the trail, one of my girls asked, “Dad, are you okay?” I took another deep breath, filling my lungs with the refreshing air and replied, “Never better and feeling so thankful.” It was a perfect morning in many ways and I couldn’t help but think, Not Today Satan, Not Today!!  

Brothers and sisters, no matter where you are right now…close your eyes, take a deep breath and let it out. Give thanks to our amazing God for the day he has given you, the breath that he has put in your lungs, and for his continued faithfulness and love!! Don’t take a single day for granted, you never know when it might be your last. 

I love each of you and am so thankful for each day God has given me with you! 

Thank you for Jesus! Thank you for Jesus!!

“Every good and perfect gift [even your breath] is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

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