Not My Funeral

I am not supposed to be here apparently. But a few weeks ago after coming out of what included a two week induced coma on a ventilator now I seemed to be breathing reasonably well & independently – and my son and daughter, grateful that the consultants’ continual warnings had not come to fruition, made plans for my return home, not for my funeral.

Yes, my progress was all very unusual to say the least. Many a doctor had told me that statistically I should not have been able to breath without aid for the foreseeable future – but now to see their patient shuffling along with his physios slowly promenading the corridors of level one Critical Care Unit was proving to be a real exception. I was conscious that some doctors did a ‘double take’ at me and smiled in surprise. God had/has other plans, I am convinced of it, even to one who no longer is holding on for dear life to his ‘Zimmer’ frame for support! Even whilst in the confusion of all the drugs and very strange hallucinations I knew God was with, me using many others to support and encourage. Holding hands with nurses who reassured me constantly with quotes from Scripture in the middle of the night was a prime example – or the very welcome witness from family and friends to the medics (well, they are very close carers really) that showed how close we were together prayerfully looking only unto Jesus our Lord for sustenance and reassurance, whatever the outcome may be. God has chosen to keep me here for something else and I hope I can be of some use despite all my human limitations and weaknesses. It is interesting for me to speculate what He wants of me in the future but for the time being I must build up my strength and stamina, coordination and immune system where my physical resistance levels are still very poor. But God knows all that. My prognosis is not good, but the spiritual one is potentially outstanding. May God keep reminding me of both, and to trust in Him only, to be as Sovereign as He has been there for me as Saviour.

Mike is one of the members of Salem Chapel