GUEST BLOG: LOOKING UP BY JUDITH MALONE
After reading my blog on Jesus looking up, my Aunt had an incredible experience being used by the Lord. I asked her to share her testimony.
In follow up to what you shared, I was intentionally praying, “Lord, open my eyes to look up to see as You see, to experience the “Once” in every moment.” With my prayer said, and my heart intent on being about “my Father’s business” I set off to attend the Formula One race in Austin, Texas.
As a first time attendee, I was overwhelmed by the pomp and circumstance that surrounded the race. As a guest of friends, my husband and I were whisked off to the “Owner’s Club” where we would have a VIP seat to enjoy the race. We quickly secured a table close to the track and began looking forward to the festivities leading up to the big race.
Fans from all over the world gathered at great expense to watch the race, and one of those fans, Sam, flew in from Southern California.
Sam was a gentleman, fun and kindhearted, in his late 60’s attending the race with his cousin and his cousin’s son. They were sitting at our table. After lighthearted conversation and lots of laughter, the moment for the big race had begun.
Managing to get right up next to the rail, I began to look for Sam so he could stand next to my husband and I. Glancing across the room I spotted him sitting with his family at a table in the center, no good view in sight. Looking closer than I might have on a normal basis, Sam’s eyes caught my attention. I saw distress and anxiety, and I knew immediately something was wrong.
Had I not prayed about being “intentional,” I know that I would not have looked so closely.
I quickly hurried to him, took both his hands in mine, and asked what was wrong. He looked up and said he was experiencing “Atrial Fibrillation.” Afib can be a precursor to a heart attack or stroke and should not be disregarded.
I asked Sam if I could pray for him, to which he replied, yes, please do. I began crying out to the Lord, praying His word: He is the strength of our heart, He is our healer, He is our help in times of trouble, with the length of life He contents us and we shall see His saving power. That God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, and love, and a sound mind. That He would send help from His sanctuary.
I asked Sam what he was going to do, he replied that he had “doubled his blood pressure pills in hopes of stabilizing his condition.”
This just did not sit well with me, being in prayer I felt a sense of urgency and knew Sam needed help. I asked him if I could call my daughter, a nurse, and see what her opinion would be and he agreed. I called my daughter who immediately advised that Sam should go to an emergency room. He was very hesitant about leaving as the race. I said, “Sam, it’s not worth it,” and put him on the phone with my daughter for her to explain the severity and possible complications if he should stay. After speaking with her, Sam agreed to see a medic.
He apologized to me that he was “ruining the race for me” and my response was, “Sam, I’m not here for the race, I prayed this morning to be used by the Lord for His Glory, I am here for you, Sam, that’s how much the Lord loves you”.
I walked Sam down a long flight of stairs and we found a chair for him to sit and wait for the medics. Suddenly, a lovely lady that was working the event knelt down and immediately went into intercession at his feet. I placed my hand upon his heart and began praying in the Spirit over Sam.
The medics arrived and transported Sam to the hospital, where he stayed for two nights.
After shocking his heart on the second day, doctors stabilized Sam and released him from the hospital to head home with his wife who had flown in to be by his side.
Please continue to pray for Sam, his heart, and his health. He is just recently a grandfather with a six-month-old grandson named Sam.
This is a text I received from Sam a few days later:
Hi Judi,
It’s Sam from the race track. I’m feeling much better but still in the hospital for an overnight observation. I just wanted to thank you for your kindness and prayers. I think you were at the race to guide me through this situation… I probably wouldn’t have listened to anyone else. Please continue to do what you do… More people will need you as you said it is your purpose.
I hope our paths cross again. Until then, many thanks. I’ll never forget this believe me 🙂
God bless you,
Sam
