January 29, 2021: No Need to Operate

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isa. 40:28–31, NKJV).

In my 35 years of ministry, these verses have carried me through many storms and blessings. This passage became even more relevant when I got into a terrible car accident.

One day, as I traveled to Belize City, Belize, to pick up materials for the last baptism of an evangelism crusade, I came across two big trucks, both trying to overtake the other on a steep curve. I tried to pull away, but one truck did the same and hit me head on, completely crushing me. The ER doctors explained that my broken ribs had punctured my lungs, causing them to collapse.

Prior to the emergency operation, I claimed the promise in this verse before falling into unconsciousness. But, right before they started the operation, I suddenly regained consciousness. To everyone’s amazement, I was able to breathe, and there was no need to operate. God had completely healed me!

Nowadays, when I preach the gospel, there are times I raise my voice in worship. And I tell the brethren, “I am exercising my new lungs!” Still today, I see the power of God in my life.

My Savior, renew my strength as I wait on You. Amen.

Ramon Escalante is the Hispanic Ministries coordinator for the Allegheny East Conference

Read more Devotionals

January 25: Built in Him
January 26: One Day Soon
January 27: Thank You For Loving Me
January 28: Bearing Fruit
January 29: No Need to Operate
January 30: One Unforgettable Sabbath
January 31: Keep on Praying