He Will Not Fail Thee

He Will Not Fail Thee

During my working years as an RRT, I have seen life come into this world and then pass to the next. I remember one situation, in particular, that was most memorable. I was the RT supervisor over the house that night The helicopter flew in an individual that had to be intubated and placed on a ventilator. When he was comfortable with pain medication on board, anxiety left him, he went to sleep. One by one the family was let into the room and seeing the family member on a ventilator was quite upsetting, and they asked, why could he not breathe on his own? What happened that he faltered to this point when just yesterday he was doing fine. Many were bewildered and unable to accept that this may be his time to pass on. The Doctor came in and told the family that they were going to ask a Hospice RN to see the patient and they would run tests to see where the patient was physically and once they had the information the family would be called into the conference room to talk about the next steps. The gathering continued and as the family gathered for prayers, the Doctor approached and said it was time to talk. So, all of us were led to the conference room and the Doctor asked if there was a spokesperson that could lead out in these discussions. One was agreed upon because he had the greatest knowledge about the patient emotionally as well as physically, John Phillips. The discussion began and the Doctor and two specialists took turns giving a report of their findings and what they felt would be the next steps for a possible recovery of the family member. To our surprise, the Hospice RN stopped the conversation and felt that the patient needed to be able to have a say in this matter and would not go further without it. The Doctor asked the family member if he knew of an Advanced Directive, had ever been filled out for the patient? He said there was, and that he would take a flight back to his home and bring it back with him. He left the following day and arrived late that evening when he approached the home of the patient. He knew of the key that was hidden outside, it was hidden under a rock in the garden area. Once retrieved he unlocked the door and went in. There was one light left on and made it much easier to find the light switch that lit the room. He knew of the general area that the patient kept most of his files and was able to go through and locate the Advanced Directive, it was sealed in an envelope and placed in a brown wooden box. John called the family at the hospital and told them what he found and they encouraged him to open it and read the contents. He began reading a note, the patient had placed a special request, and it needed to be read by the family. He took the Box and letter and flew back to the hospital as quickly as the airlines could arrange it.

It was a couple of hours before a plane going in his direction was available and he boarded later because the plane needed a few repairs before it could fly out. Finally when all was repaired the passengers were let on the plane in a single file to the farthest seats in the back, then the middle section, followed by the front areas. As John took his seat he closed his eyes and rested. He hoped the patient was doing well at home with the family near. He wondered about what was in the envelope that needed to be read to everyone at the same time. Then securing the box under his seat he nodded off and fell asleep.

In his dreams he saw a book of scripture in front of him and looked at the page, it was in St John 8: vs 52, …. “If a man keeps my sayings, he shall never taste of death.” Then he was awakened suddenly by a loud voice overhead, “Put on your oxygen masks!!” He saw it swinging in front of him and grabbed it and slid it on his face. He looked around and saw everyone was following orders, except one older person did not know what to do and was close enough to reach and secure the mask with his own in place. Seat belts were buckled and we were to stay calm while the buffeting winds and storm outside tossed the plane to and fro. His mind saw the scripture again and He started to pray to his Heavenly Father. The realness of dying was now present before him and John included in his prayer the family at the hospital. He voiced aloud, "please watch over us and get us home safely.” Then he was given a witness by the spirit and knew this would not be the end of his life, that he would arrive safely no matter what happened. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that the scripture that he saw was real and true, the Lord would not ever lie to us. The plane continued to bump and lurch, gain altitude than lose altitude through the storm, but he did not fear. He felt a warmth come over him like a warm blanket of comfort.

I then felt a hand on my shoulder, the older man behind me who I helped, reached out to me in fear and I told him, “We are going to be fine.” He smiled and nodded his head.

Soon over the loudspeaker, the pilot said, “ we are out of danger and you can remove your oxygen masks.” The stewardess came around to take Our masks and we were safely on our way. I was able to get to the hospital before visiting hours were over and brought the box with the unopened letter and the note of special instructions. There were just a few there when I arrived and calls went out to set up a time at our home to meet and read the letter. I felt so impressed by my spiritual experience that day it had moved me spiritually and emotionally. I looked in on the patient and he looked a lot better than he had before I went in and sat by his bedside and started to talk to him, I told him about my dream and the scripture I had read. I then asked him, “Do you believe in the Savior Jesus Christ? Then I saw a book of scripture had been left in his room. I walked over and opened to the Verse I had told him about. I noticed in the following paragraphs that the Jews to whom He was talking, did not believe in his words, the next words that followed were, “Art thou greater than Our father Abraham, which is dead: whom makest thou thyself?”

Then in VS 56: Jesus tells the Jews, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. In VS 58:… Jesus says, "Verily verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”

I began to read aloud all of St John Chapter 8, and a greater understanding of the Saviors mission was given. Chapter 9 the Savior heals on the Sabbath Day, and the words continued, my family came in to hear as I read and we all were aware of the Divinity and power of the Savior as the stories of healing were shared. Then turning to the patient he again asked, “Do you believe in the Savior Jesus Christ?”

His eyes opened, and I knew this was the turning point in his recovery. The following day we met at my home and the box was opened, inside was the letter, under the letter was a small book of scripture, the New Testament. The letter was opened and it said, Please read St. John Chapter 8 out loud that I may hear the Saviors words. He will take my hand and I will leave with him, or He will say its not your time yet, and heal me with his grace.

My own witness:

Jesus Christ has never failed me when I have called upon him, he will not fail you, ever, no matter what happens you can know, no matter where you are, He will come to your side, and help you in all things. I know this to be true, In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

By Dawne Zacharias.

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