God promises to give us His strength in our times of weakness.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
And when we trust His promises… by choosing to rely on Him instead of ourselves… a soul-securing confidence comes in the most unexpected ways.
Eva Piper, wife of Don Piper {the author of 90 minutes in Heaven} knows just how true that is.
Today she’s here to share with us how she found a surprising confidence during her darkest hours. Her new book, “A Walk Through the Dark,” released last week. It’s based on her role in the story that began the day her husband died and came back to life 90 minutes later, and the years and countless surgeries and miracles that followed. Click the arrow below to watch a powerful short video trailer about Eva’s story.
{If you are reading this via email, click here to return to my blog to watch and enter to WIN a copy of Eva’s book.}
From Eva Piper:
I was sitting in a movie theater watching The Sound of Music. The young Maria had sung while dancing through the mountains, the sisters had asked “How do you solve a problem like Maria?” and now Maria was walking through town on her way to serve as governess to a group of seven children singing about confidence.
The song begins with Maria listing her doubts and fears but ends with these words. “I have confidence in confidence alone, besides which you see I have confidence in me!”
I never thought of myself as a confident person. I was confident in some of the ‘things’ I did…playing the piano, teaching school, being a wife and mother. But when it came to making decisions, I usually let someone else take charge.
I rationalized they knew more about such and such than I did. They were more outgoing. They were more sure of themselves. They were more ‘confident.’
Some people build confidence by practicing a sport or art. Some build confidence by taking classes in public speaking. Others may study to become an expert in a certain field of study. My confidence came from a very different source.
During the second week of my husband Don’s stay in the ICU, it became necessary for me to move into a hotel a short distance from the hospital. I needed to be close by in case anything happened so I checked into the Downtown Hyatt.
Each morning as soon I awoke I placed a call to the nurses’ station in the ICU. As soon as someone answered I would go through my list of questions…How is his breathing? What is his oxygen rate? What is his pain level?
The nurses responded to all of my questions and provided any additional information that I might need. But on this particular morning, things went differently. Instead of getting the information I requested I was told, “Oh honey, you don’t need to know all that, you’re just the wife.”
In a split second I went from being a person who questioned whether I was up to the task to one who realized I had more strength than I realized.
Without skipping a beat I asked to speak to her supervisor. When she came on the phone I explained what had happened and waited.
The supervisor apologized and quickly gave me the information on Don.
That was my turning point. That morning I took my first step toward being someone who was willing to do whatever was needed to move my husband’s recovery along.
Looking back I can see, that’s when I stepped beyond my private comfort space—and would do it many more times in the months ahead.
During those early days I had to push to get what I needed. I learned to ask questions until I not only had answers but I understood the situation we were facing.
If I didn’t grasp the meaning or if staff spoke with medical jargon, I learned to say, “I’m not in the medical field. Can you explain that again?”It worked. I got what I wanted.
I was never belligerent or rude. I tried to treat people with respect. But when I became aware of things that needed doing or I required information, I asked and stayed steadily at it until I received an acceptable response.
The situation with the rude nurse taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes God uses difficult people or situations to move you to where He wants you to be. Without that rude nurse I would never have had the confidence to face the rest of my walk through the dark.
Eva Piper is a speaker and author of A Walk Through the Dark, where she shares unique insights into the trials of heartache and the triumph of overcoming!
The wife of best-selling author Don Piper, Eva was the glue that held her broken husband and her family together. Don’s story, recounted in the New York Times bestseller, 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Life and Death, is Eva’s story too. A teacher of 34 years, she and Don now live in Pasadena, Texas. Visit http://evapiper.com/ to reserve your copy of Eva’s new book, “A Walk Through the Dark” today!
Enter to WIN!!
I’m giving away a copy of Eva’s new book. To enter, simply click “Share Your Thoughts” below and share about a time you had unexpected confidence. Or, share why you’d like to win a copy of Eva’s new book.
Each day I struggle with who I am as a mom friend daughter and person in Christ. Let alone the struggles I face as a single mother with Parkinson’s Disease oh and I almost forgot, quickly approaching my 40th birthday ; feeling depressed and like a failure lately. I know God is ever present too but so consumed by my surroundings
I lost my husband to cancer over 5 years ago and I still struggle with issues of confidence and insecurity. Learning to do things on my own and trusting God to carry me through is a constant battle. I have done Renee’s study A Confident Heart and am doing Beth Moore’s study So Long, Insecurity right now. I read 90 days in Heaven when my husband was sick and would love to read Eva’s side of the story. It is always encouraging to hear how someone else can come through a dark and difficult time in their life.
I would love to have a copy of this book…reading To Heaven and Back right now by Mary C. Neal and it is so reassuring to know that heaven is as awesome as the bible promises us that it will be!!!
“Sometimes God uses difficult people or situations to move you to where He wants you to be.”
Wow! So simple, yes, but really profound.
He couldn’t have spoken more loud and clear to me than with her statement!
Thank you for that epiphany!
Thank you for sharing your epiphany. I believe this to be true. Marti
Oh my goodness – I had no idea Don’s wife Eva was writing a book. I can’t wait to read it. Don’s book “90 Minutes in Heaven” so changed many of my views about Heaven. When I am talking to someone about Heaven, I always recommend his book.
Thanks Renee for putting Eva ‘front and center’ for all of us.
So thankful for your book, “A Confident Heart” too. I went through the study online with a friend, and now we are using your book for our bible study at church. 🙂
May He continue to richly bless you!
I’m walking through an uncertain and scary situation right now. Eva’s thought about God using difficult situations and people to move us to where He wants us to be is really helpful. I’d like to hear more of her thoughts. Thank you, Laura
Would love to read more of this story. Get encouragement from others from reading about how they overcome adversity.
I have often written or commented referring to my grandson Andrew. He was born on February 6,2008 with an extremely rare genetic disorder. We were told he would not live 3 days. As Andrew fought to survive, God filled my heart through faith with the confidence that we would bring Andrew home. God gave me the strength to advocate for his care. My daughter and I never left him alone and reminded those doctors that their name was not God! 103 days later, we walked Andrew out into the bright sunshine! 5 years have passed and Andrew reminds us with each and every breath of God’s great love!
This would definitely be a great book for me to read! Confidence has never been my strong character. My mom has late stage Alzheimer disease and I have been her voice for the last 3.5 years and it is not easy. I just keep on trying – I can’t give in!
God bless you!
It seems like my life has been a walk in the dark for quite some time now. After losing my 59-year old mother to cancer, finding out my husband of 28 years had been having an affair, him not being willing to work through it and so my marriage ended in divorce, fell in love again only to have the engagement to my fiance come to an end. At 50 years old, life just isn’t what I had expected it to be. While I believe deep in my heart that God is and has been with me through all of this, I could use the extra encouragement and enlightenment of how to truly lean on God in my dark times and to have my faith strengthened.
I would like to receive a copy of her book b/c it will inspire me and help me in my journey with the ministry for women who have been abused I recently started. In my life right now I feel I am stumbling around in the dark.
I can’t pinpoint a time where my confidence has stepped up to meet my situation, but I know it has happened. I feel like Eva’s story is my own in some ways, even though I’ve never been thru anything as extreme as what she has, and I would love to read more about it.
I would love to read more of this story. The confidence she speaks of is something I desperately need.
I would love to read this book. I have always been shy. But when my mom got diagnosed with ALS,
I was the one caring for her. I did things and talked to people that I would never do before. My dad, brothers or sister gotten handle it at all. And they were always more out going.
I would love to read this book. I struggle with confidence daily. I took care of my late mum and dad and I know how sometimes one can live in darkness without realising we need to let go but let God.
Isn’t it wonderful to realize that God doesn’t leave us – we tend to be the one to leave. He can make us strong as long as we let Him be the one to carry us through our stroms. If only we could remember that.
GREAT to hear from you Renee!!
I recall a dark time in my life. I was working for a local bank, thinking it was job security. Everyone needs a safe place for their life savings, a place where they could come to buy that new home or car. I found out as I was turning 40 and my oldest daughter getting ready to start her freshman year at college, our bank was merging with another and I would be let go. My husband had been struggling with depression and under the care of a psychiatrist. I was feeling sorry for myself, why me. My niece had called to ask if I would come help her wallpaper her kitchen. My husband was watching TV in our bedroom. I went to tell him I would be gone for a couple hour, to rest until I returned. He asked me not to go. I asked him why? He said, “I don’t know, I just don’t want you to go.” I explained I would return in a couple hours, he would be fine till I returned. A couple hours later I received a call from my daughter, crying and telling me her Dad was sick and needed me to come home immediately. I immediately left and flew up the road with no regard for the speed limit. As I pulled into my drive I was met with police, rescue squad and people holding me back. I thought my husband was dead. I was told he attempted suicide but was alive and being transferred by ambulance to the hospital. My husband had always been the strong one. Now, I had to be strong for both my daughters and my husband. I felt inadequate. I felt guilt for feeling sorry for myself. So what – I lost a job, it could be replaced. The wallpaper could have been done another day. Why did I leave? Why was I so selfish? I then decided I had to be the one in charge and make the necessary decisions for my family, get the care my beloved husband needed. I prayed God would come into my heart and soul to lift me up and guide me. He did just that. With my faith in God I was able find that strength. We just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We have two married daughters, 2 granddaughters and a new grandchild on the way. My husband survived and is well. I am so blessed. I’m a much stronger woman since that time.
Blessings and love to each of you – Debbie W
The book 90 minutes in Heaven was a blessing to me. I read it at a time I was just coming to know the Lord. I often think of Mr. Piper’s descriptions and how God is Praised always in Heaven. Learning Spripture and Renee’s teaching on how to live confidently in Christ has helped me to be more confident. Thank you!
Where do I start! My baby was born with a kidney problem and when he was 3 months old he had a coma that left him profoundly mentally and physically handicapped and his prognosis was poor. He needed 24/7 care and with 2 older brothers I struggled. We were a close knit family and all pulled together so when our first born took his own life at 21 we were completely broken. In our grief our community and friends were. Constantly praying for us and God answered their prayers and we were carried along just like ‘Footsteps’ the next year our baby died aged 17, yes he lived that long despite doctors prognosis. We were still reeling from our tragedy that we were in a daze for his funeral and again by God’s grace we came through. Over the years our middle son struggled and we tried our very best to show him how precious he was and how much he was loved but sadly while we were on holiday he took his own life, aged 37. We were now in a very dark place and our loving Saviour heard our friends prayers and gently comforted us. Prayer has been our saving grace without this help we could not keep on living. This has been the first time I have penned our story although ever so briefly. My mantra then and now is ‘Love lifted me when no one but Christ could help, love lifted me’
I had unexpected confidence when I recently had to see my dad after he developed dementia due to exposure to anesthesia. It was like he was a completely different person overnight. I prayed for strength and was able to keep my composure as we talked, so we were able to have a nice visit.
I read 90 Minutes in Heaven and it was very helpful to me after losing both my parents. I very much look forward to reading A Walk Through the Dark! Thank you for this post.
I would also love to read this book. I have walked in the dark at 21 years of age when my husband of 4 1/2 months, suddenly dropped to the floor with a fatal heart attack. My Faithful and Loving Heavenly Father provided another husband for me and we will soon be celebrating 26 years of marriage! We also experienced a very dark year several years back when he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The year was long and grievous and reminded me that life is short and can be taken in an instant. I found myself in a battle with fear of losing another husband. God chose to heal him even though he was minutes away from death during his last round of chemo. I am so thankful for the gifts from the Lord. Each day is precious.
Love to read. This sounds like a book that would be inspirational and helpful. Blessings.
during the dark days when my marriage was falling apart, I had a confidence that didn’t seem to make sense, but it did. It was GOd walking with me every moment of the day.
Having 4 kids in a little more than 5 years was a lot to boost my confidence, but the real boost has been homeschooling all 4 with joy and peace only found in Christ alone through much prayer. And God has been faithful every step of the way.
I would love to read more about her story and how she came through it so blessed. I am trying to teach my daughter to trust with her heart that God is ALWAYS there with her and all her decisions will be blessed ones. I always say ” you are where you are supposed to be”. Even through hardships you will have learned lessons and your faith made stronger if you only believe and trust the Lord.
After struggling for years with my husband’s family (especially his mother) and eventually falling into a dark place, I realized that I had it in me to stand up for myself. I am a person who is worth it, and I don’t need to fall prey to them anymore. I have limited the time I go over there and finally am not forced to go by my husband. I am far from perfect, but know that I don’t have to believe what they say about me as I know in my heart what is true. Thankfully it doesn’t matter what anyone but my heavenly Father thinks of me.
When my younger son was born, he had multiple medical issues that had to be addressed. I understand how difficult it is to find the courage to make these decisions for someone who can’t do it himself. I read the story of her husband’s miraculous healing. I would love to read her story of how she found the courage to make the decisions he couldn’t .
Love to read this and share it. After finally learning to give what I was struggling with to God did I become confident in moving forward. Now I am planning and putting together a community mom’s Bible study.
I am in the darkest most difficult time in my life. Four weeks ago we got a knock on our door with news that no parent ever wants to hear. Our precious 23 year old son was killed in an auto accident. He was a firefighter and worked for our counties EMS. He was a dedicated community servant and worked tirelessly to help others. He was on his way to work when someone crossed the center line and hit him head on. My son was killed while the other person walked away.
I cant possibly understand why this happened. I cant find any good in this nightmare.Right now all we can do is try to make it thru one day at a time. I miss my son so much and cant imagine not seeing his smiling face again on this earth. I know someday I will see him again in heaven.
In my head I know God is in control and His ways are higher than our ways but my heart feels like a big part of it is gone. How do you make sense out of a tragedy like this?
Joyce, I am so sorry for your loss.
Lord, I pray for Joyce and her family in this their time of need. Your word says “You heal the broken in heart and bind up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3) and that “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” Matthew 5:4. I ask you Father to place your loving arms around this family and be their sacred place of security, a safe haven. Give them strength for the time ahead. For we know You will not leave them. In Jesus name I pray Amen
When my father was dying from heart failure, it became apparent that someone needed to ask the questions and be the go-between for our family. Somehow God provided me with the questions I needed to ask and the discretion of knowing when to push for more/better care and when to let things go. It seems I often become that person to turn to for family and friends.
I love a copy of Eva book. I too have a husband who 5 yrs ago got Kidney failure and a child diagnosised with Aspergers within a 4 month perion. I know so well the dark . This many years later and Sometimes I still feel in dark and unsure where the next turn will take me and my family. I have seen God strengthen my faith and trust on him but I still struggle feeling alone in this life and situation. Friends and Family try to encourage me .
Thank you Renee for this post and the video. I would love to read Eva’s book, and her husband’s. I have added them to my book “wish list” I remember when my dad was very ill, the doctor called and told me that they didn’t expect him to last 24 hours. I packed my bags and my husband took me to see him, I prayed and asked God what to do, should I stay with him or go home. My husband and I prayed and talked about it, and I stayed. I was allowed to sleep in the sitting room at the home, which was a blessing, I was able to get up at any time and go and check in on my daddy. I would get up every morning and help the nurses by giving him a partial sponge bath, shave him, sing to him (he was in a coma) and tell him “Ok, daddy you are nice and clean, and ready if you meet Jesus today”. I held on to God like there was no tomorrow….The Lord blessed me with 7 days to be with my daddy. The Saturday before I was to leave, I was struggling because I didn’t want to leave him, I had to get home to my family. I prayed that day for God to take my daddy home, I felt this peace in my heart, I didn’t cry, but I felt joy and praised God for it. Thanked God for the time I had. Sunday morning I did what I had the days before and I heard a gurgle coming from my daddy, I immediately knew, time would be close. I sat and prayed, held his hand, placed his hand to my face, and told him I loved him….later that day, I saw him draw his last breath, and felt his heart beat fade away. The rest of the family was there, and I called for the nurses, kissed “My gentle giant” and said “I’ll see you later” and prepared with the nurses what would come next. They asked me several times if I was ok, I guess because I was so peaceful. I praise God for the strength that He gave me, I often had thought of what it would be like, God was in control, and I was still and called to Him and he answered me. God works miracles in our lives, I thank Him that Eva’s husband survived and that they are together, helping people with their story.
Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know I am God”.
Blessings,
Anna
My mother was passive and I always said I would not let people run over me. In my attempt to not repeat history; I learned to be aggressive rather than confident. Although, I got the results I was seeking it was not without cost of hurt relationships. God began to show me that if I would act in with love and kindness I could get the some results without the pain. God was teaching me the difference in Confidence and aggression. When I needed a responses or assistance in a matter I did so without being rude. These changes in my behavior felt good. God helped me build my confidence one situation at a time. With these experience He has shown me how to develop into the person He wants me to be and live the life that is His plan for me. Eva’s book sounds like a source of support as I walk with God and He lead my journey to where He wants me to be in my life. God Bless
I would like to win a copy of Eva’s book because I feel like I have been walking through darkness since 2003 when I got diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis & loss my my mom and sister in 2008. It has been difficult and somewhere along the way I feel like I have lost my confidence and would love to read an inspiring story of Go’d mircles and restoration. Thanks for all you do!
Several years ago a friend was unable to drive and wanted to go to a larger town and asked me to drive. I was petrified and she didn’t know until afterwards. Yes, we made it there and back just fine but my heart was racing until we neared home. I live in a rural area and still do not like to drive in large cities but do on occasion.
I love her husband’s book, “90 Minutes in Heaven.” I can only imagine what she went through during that experience. It sounds like she found herself and her place in the Lord’s will, as well. Sometimes in life, it seems that we have to go that dark place just to start all over again!
Hi, I would like to share a time in my life where I experienced confidence beyond my natural self. My daughter was pregnant with her second child and had moved away from our home town and now lived about an hour’s drive away by Motorway.. I had a fear of motorway driving , even though I had driven a car for over 30 years, and I had always avoided motorways. To see my daughter and give support I had to face this fear and find the confidence to do it.. The first time I drove the motorway on my own I was a shaking leaf of a woman when i arrived at her house .. but I had done it ! I gave thanks that I had taken a confident step forward and then each time I travelled there it became better and my confidence increased.. This was all the more important as my daughter ended up having a ceasarian section birth and this meant she could not lift or drive for almost 6 weeks afterwards and I was going up and down the Motorway even more and acting as driver for her too.. I have not looked back since AND my daughter and family moved again a year later and now live 250 miles away , a journey of 4 1/2 hours ..God is Good and I can do all things in the strength He gives to me.. even motorway driving…..
I always imagined our retirement as my husband and I travelling, enjoying the grand-children, volunteering and taking care of each other. My husband has Alzheimer’s. I retired earlier than I imagined and am learning to be a care taker. I am now making all the decisions and solving all the problems. His children are busy taking care of their ailing in-laws. My siblings are busy taking care of ailing parents and each other.
I have had to step up and I have to step up with confidence. Then I want to help others to the same because this situation is become more common.
thank you for sharing this story. I would love to read this book.
I would love to win a copy of A Walk Through the Dark so that I can simply be encouraged by God’s goodness and greatness. They have a remarkable story to share!
We all go through a “dark time” in our life but it’s only with God that we can make it through it victoriously. God puts us all in a situation where we have to step up and take that step of confidence instead of being complacent. I too had a recent experience in my dark place when God put me in that place where I had to step up in faith and take that step in confidence do what needed to be done. Eva’s book sounds like it will be a best seller and I can’t wait to read it and pass it along to others.
I had just received my certification in biblical counseling. The counselor at my church and I had a plan. A plan to work together, build my confidence and for me to sit in on more sessions to get my hours. But we know sometimes our plan is not Gods plan. My counselor, mentor and friend was just diagnosed with a fatal (we thought) illness. She couldn’t work anymore. I was on my own. That day embarked my journey of trusting the Holy Spirit within me to have the confidence to be on my own.
WHEN MY SON WAS 12 YEARS OLD, I HAD TO PLACE HIM IN THE ADOLECENT PSYCHATRIC UNIT OF A BIG CITY HOSPITAL. I HAD NEVER DRIVEN IN A BIG CITY BEFORE’ AND THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE I STAYED IN WAS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BIG CITY. FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS I MADE THE TRIP BACK AND FO RTH TWICE A DAY.IF I HADN’T HAD TO DO THIS I NEVER WOULD HAVE HAD THE CONFIDENCE TO DO IT. GOD KEPT ME SAFE THROUGH IT ALL.
I am experiencing a struggle in my life dealing with as some Medical Expenses as a result of a medical procedure I require to be done every five weeks. I know God is greater than any situation that comes into my life so I am asking Him to help me to know what all of the right questions so this situation can be resolved. I know it is just money but my husband and I have always paid our medical bills and want to get this situation straightened out. There are two different insurance companies involved and then the company that provides the services. Help me to know what to ask, what to do and how to do this as a woman and Child of God. You have always been there for me Lord. Lead, guide and protect me as I try to work through this maze of dates of services, amounts charged, amounts paid and what our responsibilities are remaining after this is all figured. Help me to be honest, polite and ask the correct questions. May the people I have to deal with be understanding and helpful so we can get this matter settled and not have a bad credit issue remaining. Thank you Lord for all that you do. I know nothing ever takes you by surprise and am depending on you and all of the promises in your word to “Never Leave me nor forsake me.” and I also to believe that “I can do all things through you and your strength.” I know that I am trying to allow God to guide me and feel His presence through all of this. Thank you Lord for always being my shied of protection in all situations. Mary
Wow! I am looking forward to reading this book. Sounds like an amazing story of God’s strength shining through human weakness. He truly does make everything beautiful, turning mourning into dancing and works all things together for our good. Thank you for sharing.
I was painfully shy as a child. In fact, I was named “Most Bashful” of my graduating class. However, God has led me through places and experiences that have forced me to place my trust and confidence in Him. I’m so grateful that He didn’t leave me in the dark prison of shyness.
These are perplexing times (2Cor. 4:8) that we are living in. I would like to read Eva’s book and how God helped her through a difficult time.
I struggle with confidence daily but thru many struggles and situations I’m learning, with God’s help, to stand on my own and believe in myself more. Thru each experience God shows me something new! I loved reading “90 Minutes in Heaven” and feel reading the other side of this beautiful story would be inspirational. I’ve always taught my children there are two sides to every story and we must try to see the entire picture instead of just our side! 🙂
Thank you Eva and Renee for sharing this story with us! I’ve read Don’s book and it was very inspiring. It’s so wonderful to see how God takes our darkest moments and uses them for His glory! He promises to bring good out of EVERYTHING for those who love Him. I’ve been through some dark times in my life and He’s always been there for me. Not only does He bring me safely through, He allows me to share with others what He has done. I hope to win this book so I can read it and pass it on. I often use books as a ministry tool and would love to have this one to use in that way. Blessings to you, Eva, Renee and to all of you ladies! Love you to all.