The Holy Spirit is actively reshaping every sphere of influence, and I’ve witnessed this truth in a deeply personal way. Everywhere I turn, I see God’s presence and power, extending His kingdom in remarkable ways. Recently, my family and I walked through an extraordinary journey that highlighted God’s goodness and provision.
My wife, Michelle, needed surgery to remove benign tumors from her reproductive organs. These tumors had been the main reason we couldn’t have more children after our beloved daughter, Miriam. While I could share our long journey of faith and hope for healing, today, I want to focus on our incredible experience with the medical community.
Our journey toward expanding our family led us to pursue embryo adoption after natural attempts and traditional adoption proved unfeasible. Michelle underwent several tests to ensure she could carry a baby to full term. During this process, we discovered multiple tumors and cysts on her reproductive organs that needed to be addressed for her health and our plans.
We were referred to a renowned surgeon in Colorado Springs. Michelle’s first appointment with this OB-GYN surgeon coincided with my ministry trip to India. After the appointment, Michelle called me, her voice filled with awe, and excitement. She described meeting the kindest doctor she had ever encountered, who even prayed for her at the end of their meeting. Doctor Hedges is a spirit filled believer who looks at her profession as an assignment from God. After just a few minutes with her you can feel how much she loves in all directions. The Love of God emanates through her- much like a firefly, she just lights up and shines her joy is contagious. To write this experience would fall short of how Michelle explained that she experienced it in the moment. Michelle was overwhelmed by God’s providence in leading us to a Spirit-filled, Jesus-following medical professional during this critical time. There was one more doctors consult before the surgery. The way Michelle has described her experience with Dr. Hedges was an understatement, in my experience, of what I have encountered in the Medical industry, Michelle had downplayed her last encounter with Dr. Hedges. I was blown away by her attention and true heart-felt care for Michelle and I.
On the day of the surgery, as we gathered for the pre-op appointment, the surgeon and her team entered the room and said, “Okay, everyone. It’s now time to pray for our patient.” The entire surgical team bowed their heads and prayed for Michelle, our family, and the surgery’s success. The presence of the Lord filled the room as I joined in, declaring God’s best over the surgery and the team. The team finished and left to prep the surgical suite for Michelle. One of surgical nurses stayed behind to take Michelle back. Miriam and I waited in the room until it was time. We kissed Michelle and I prayed one last “breath” prayer over Michelle and the surgery. To me it felt like just a “thrown” up blessing prayer. Miriam prayed a quick prayer too- and it was time. I looked to the nurse and said, “Okay, you can take her.” The surgical nurse, moved by the moment, began to cry, saying it was the most powerful experience she had ever witnessed. She then said, “I’m sorry, give me a minute. I have to excuse myself and go get a hold of my emotions.” She left the room in tears- obviously moved by the presence of the Lord in the room, and returned a few minutes later “under control.”
The surgery, initially expected to last three hours, extended to seven hours due to complications. The surgeon called me twice during the procedure to provide updates. Afterward, she spent 30 minutes with me, explaining the details and praying with us. Throughout the first week of recovery, the surgeon was available at Michelle’s beck and call via text and phone, showing extraordinary care and compassion. What surgeon does that? It can only be our Abba who moves on a person to love so deeply that we experience the Love of God through the person. It’s the Holy Spirit in her who empowers her to love. We were blown away by the love of God.
This surgeon, Dr. Hedges, embodied the Father’s heart in the medical field like no one I had ever encountered. She didn’t perform miracles in some supernatural sense but centered herself on God, surrendered to His will, and let her team witness what it means to have God as the foundation, the center: the source. She was naturally supernatural, an excellent doctor who acknowledged God in all her ways.
This experience has profoundly changed my view of the medical profession. It has shown me that God’s kingdom can be released in every area of life in our community where we live and have regular needs through bold acknowledgment, compassion, and a connection to the Father’s Spirit. This surgery transformed my perspective, reinforcing that God is always at work, even in the most unexpected places.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Prayer
Join me in praying for believing professionals in culture who are putting God on display in their workplace.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your transformative presence in every sphere of influence. Bless and guide those in the medical field, allowing Your kingdom to advance through their hands and hearts. Help us always to surrender to Your will and let Your Spirit move through us in all we do. Amen.
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