It’s A Heart Thing

Written by Pastor Eric Everhart

Just about 3 months ago, I suffered what they call a “widow-maker” heart attack, a full blockage of my heart’s main artery. Four times my heart had to be restarted and my time here in this world seemed to have come to a close. I remember being at peace that it was my time…not scared or worried. There was no bright light when I closed my eyes, no staircase, no door, no hand reaching out of the dark–and I won’t be able to write a book about a trip to heaven. I only experienced silence and darkness and you know what…I was not afraid and I was at peace (John 14:27) You are probably thinking, how could you be at peace? I’m glad you asked. See, this isn’t my home, rather it’s a short stop along a path that leads to an eternal home with my Heavenly Father! I knew I wasn’t alone (Psalm 139:8) and I would soon come face to face with the one who loves me most…my Jesus! (John 3:16)

How can that be, you ask? See, I came to understand, by the work of the Holy Spirit in my heart, that I am a sinner who was lost (Romans 3:23), who didn’t want to live, who felt worthless, who had no hope, whose identity was seen through the lens of the world. But at my lowest, I would be found, encounter his grace, I would come into a personal relationship with Jesus, and he would jumpstart and transform my heart! (Romans 10:9)

This Jesus, my Savior, promised me eternal life, unconditional love, and a hope that could not be shaken, even in the face of an earthly death. He didn’t see me as I saw myself–he called me son, a prince, a saint, the apple of his eye, an heir to the throne, his righteousness, and he promised me that nothing could ever separate me from his love! (Romans 3:38-39) I stand today in his grace, in his strength, and in the hope that comes from the amazing sacrifice he made for me on the cross. (1Peter 2:24) My heart is restored and filled with the joy and love that I so desperately long for. 

I’m so very thankful that God spared my life that day, that I could have a little more time with the family, friends, and the church family I love so much…. But brothers and sisters, make no mistake, I’m ready when he calls me home! (Matthew 24:44) My hope and peace rests in God’s promises for my life and my death! My heart belongs to him alone, it belongs completely to Jesus! (Matthew 22:37)

Can you say that? Are you ready? To have that eternal peace and hope, Jesus says to call on him–to believe!!! (Romans 10:9)  Life is short and fragile and we will all depart this life here on earth at some point. Do you truly know the baby in the manager? Do you know the man nailed to the cross? Trust and believe in the one called Jesus…in him you can have that peace and hope! (Isaiah 26:4, Psalm 85:10, John 14:27) 

I’m not here to bring attention to myself or simply share a cool story but instead to point you to the greatest gift this world has ever known…the giver of eternal life, of true hope and unconditional love…Jesus Christ!! I don’t claim to have all the answers or have it all figured out, but I do know what God has done and is doing in my life–that Is undeniable! I know in my heart and without a doubt, Jesus is my Savior and one day I will meet him in glory and share in his resurrection! This is the source of my peace and hope and this is why I do not fear what this world can do to me–because I know what Jesus has already sacrificed for me!

To all those I hold dear to my heart and to anyone reading this devotion…seek and call on the one who loves you more than his own life…don’t wait until it’s too late!! I desire an eternal life with each of you some day, an eternal life in the glorious company of our Heavenly Father. I love all of you with all my HEART!! 

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Thank you for Jesus, thank you for Jesus!!! To him be the glory and honor forever and ever…Amen!!

“All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen!”  1Timothy 1:17

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