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!
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God’s timing never ceases to amaze me. I’m sitting in a hospital room in the ICU right now. My mom has been in the ICU for 1 week. Today was my first day at the hospital without my brother who is s nurse and asked all the questions. It has been a really tough week got us since we are both very close to our mom. Today was especially difficult and we had some scary moments. I spent most of the day praying for my mom and that I would have the confidence to say or do what ever needed to be said or done. He is sooo good. He gave me the strength when I needed it. We’re still going through a dark time waiting to see if my mom will stay here with us or go to Heaven to be with our Lord. I’m scared, but He is faithful and always with me. I know without a doubt, He is with my mom.
I am walking through the dark for sure right now, as my husband has decided to end our marriage. I am having to find my strength in him daily. I feel so weary and weak right now…numb.
Lesly,
You are not alone. Others have been there too. God will never leave you!
I am praying for you.
Blessings,
Jeanne
Thanks Renee for the article and the give away.
I found an amazing confidence about 4 months ago.
My husband came home from doing music for a Kairos week-end in a local men’s medium security prison. Kiaros is like Cursillo (a week-end course in Christianity) but it takes place in the prison. I don’t volunteer for Kairos at the women’s prison because I’ve never been interested in going in the prisons. Never felt comfortable about it and don’t like places I can’t get out of.
Michael is a praise and worship leader. He came home and told me that he and I had been invited to lead worship in that men’s prison for a 12 week leadership training the the Chaplain was doing for his C.O.R.E. group of inmates. My head and my heart immediately changed and I had no doubt that I was to do this. Completely confident! From the first there has been no fear!
Next week is week 12 and I am so sad that I won’t get to be there on Thursday nights. God is working miracles in that prison! Being there is the highlight of our week. Please pray for these men, their Chaplains, and the work God is doing there.
Blessings,
Jeanne
That is great Jeanne! Thank you so much for sharing this. Praise God for what He did in and through your life. God bless you richly! Will definitely pray for these men, their Chaplains and the work God is doing in that prison. Glory!
Im celebrating and praying with you. What an amazing God-story!! Praying for each of those men’s lives to be redeemed and used for good and God’s life-giving glory!!
I don’t know if it’s to late to enter & if so that’s ok. I hope to read Eva’s book whether I win it or not. I c.f. would use some confidence in the areas of being a wife and mom. I am ill and I get up each day to care for my young sons but it is hard when some days the pain is so bad I’m not sure I can move. I try with God’s help , I do but I wonder if I am doing enough for my boys or not. I keep them with me pretty much all the time b/c they need time they are loved but it dies take a toll on me. My Marriage is in a valley and I am fighting Satan so he won’t tell me I can’t do whatever takes to keep up and be a good godly wife and I just know my marriage can stay together even if it’s not healed until heaven but some days my confidence that my marriage can stay together wanes. Thanks for “listening”:)
Praying for you, LRF. I can certainly not imagine what it is like to be in your position. I, too, could use some confidence in being a wife and mom. I have, at home, a 16 year old daughter. I know much in my head about Jesus, His word and promises, but so much more needs to get to my heart! I want to fully trust Him and not be so whimpy. 🙂 My husband and I say wimp stands for Woman Infilled with Much Power! 🙂 It is there. That kind of wimp want to be. I pray for you, that you would have that peace of God that passes all understanding, continued strength in your inner man to cling to your Savior, Jesus, Father God, and Holy Spirit. Father God, please help her to keep her eyes, heart and mind fixed on You, and remember Your great and deep love for her. May she also know that underneath her are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33: 26-27! ) Please give her wisdom as to what is best for her family, along with Your guidance, direction and provision for any help she might need. Thank You for Your unfailing love for this precious woman. May she fully rest in You, Your love, mercy, grace, peace, hope and truth! We also pray for wholeness by the stripes Jesus bore for her. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
I so identify! My story is not unusual or ah ha! I have always been the “strong” willed or confident person on the surface when dealing with raising kids and my husband’s illnesses. I never allow others to see the vulnerable side of me that, I think, make me weak. I would like to win Eva’s book and will purchase it if not!
My mother was in the hospital a lot during those last days. One morning a housekeeper came in to clean mom’s hospital room and asked if she could sing a song for my mother. Slowly and relevantly she sang,
God is good all the time
He put a song of praise in this heart of mine
God is good all the time
Through the darkest night, His light will shine
God is good, God is good all the time
If you’re walking through the valley
And there are shadows all around
Do not fear, He will guide you
He will keep you safe and sound
‘Cause He’s promised to never leave you
Nor forsake you and His Word is true
I was walking through that valley, and an Angel,in the form of a housekeeper, was sent by God to remind me He promised to never leave me. Praise the Lord!
Yes, Praise God! Thank you for sharing this. I am familiar with the song, but don’t know if I ever really paid attention to the words of the verse. Thank you for the reminder! God bless you richly!
So often the story behind the story is the most interesting and I believe it is in this case. We often don’t realize what God has put in us until He brings us to it. Thank you Renee for your website and thank you Eva for sharing your story.
We lost our only son, Jordan, on June 9, 2012. Although I don’t feel strong at all, God has been with me every step of the way, and He alone gives me strength to get out of bed each morning and face a new day without my son… I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my son is in the presence of the Lord because he had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; therefore, I know that I will see Jordan again someday…either when the Lord returns or He calls me home! Without that, I would have no strength at all!
I read Don’s book several years ago. I was absolutely glued to that book, and it gave me such a renewed hope of heaven! I am so excited to read Eva’s story to understand her view and perspective. I would love to have this book!
My husband had a heart attack 2 1/2 years ago. That triggered depression and marital stuggles. Thankfully, God has never left me, even when I doubt that I can make it another day. I would love to read this book. There are so many areas where my confidence isn’t what it should be or needs to be.
Kim, Thank you for sharing your story and your heart!! Im praying for you.
The LORD is [your] rock, [your] fortress, and [your] savior; [your] God is [your] rock, in whom [you can] find protection. He is [your] shield, the power that saves [you], and [your] place of safety. Psalm 18:2
I cant wait to read this book!! Though I walk through the valley of Darkness I will fear no evil!
Amen.
4Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,a
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever. Psalm 23
Thank you for sharing this part of Eva’s story. I have been able to “rise to the occasion” many times because of Jesus. I still could use much confidence as I am somewhat fearful of being able to deal with things that might come. I don’t dwell on it, but when I read of things that people go through i sometimes bristle. What if that was me? I can say, “God will see me through,” and believe it, but I question my ability if something should really happen. I would like to have a copy of your book, Eva. One time, I was awakened out of sleep by my brother calling for me to pick him up as he was walking home from a long distance away and was very tired. I don’t like to drive by myself at night, especially to an unknown location. My bother told me where to go and God and I reached him and brought him home. I was probably nervous, but was able to do it. Praise God! On another occasion, I was awakened to go to stay with a couple children as their mom accompanied our pastor to the hospital. (pastor was in an ambulance). That is a nerve wracking situation in itself – seeing your pastor being taken away in an ambulance, but then, being awakened and having to help care for two children… God is so very good! He does enable us! Praise Him! I have other faith stories, too. I pray I would get less nervous and walk fully in the peace that is ours in Jesus. God bless you!
I read Don Pipers “90 Minutes in Heaven” and couldn’t put the book down. I always wondered about what his wife went through. My favorite books are bio’s of real people! I know I would love to read this book as well….that’s why I should win one! And……I would tell all of my friends that it would be a MUST read. I love to sing about Heaven….and someday that will be my eternity!
I love your enthusiasm Janell!! 🙂
I am going through a dark time right now and would love to read the book.
Praying for you Pat. Asking Jesus to shine His light, HIs hope, His peace into your darkness.
The LORD is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
I’m so glad that we are coming to the realization that God doesn’t necessarily remove all obstacles and trials, but He does sanctify them, He does turn them into something good, He does use them to grow us. Love what I’ve read so far…..looking forward to reading the whole story!
Yes, Charla, so true. 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. Rom 8:28
My husband of 17 years abandoned me and my five children and Imwas going through a terrible and lonely divorce and was leaving the church that I had attended with my children for over five years because of the lack of understanding and support from my pastor and had to start all over at a new church, and rear five children by myself. The Lord took care of us for over 3 years at my new church, I was able to continue to homeschool and the Lord brought me a wonderful godly husband who is a pastor.
Oh Crystal, Im so thankful for the Lord’s redemption in your life and through your loss. He makes beauty from the ashes.
My life has been full of trials. I was physically, emotionally and sexually abused as a child. At 12 I worked with the CPS department to prosecute my father and he went to jail. From that I spiraled into alcoholism and drug abuse and teenage pregnancy. I eventually went to AA and church and found my way back to God. I met what I thought was a wonderful man and we married. 8 years later he was in the throws of alcoholism and drug abuse. We seperated and he ended up burning down my house, committing suicide and the fire dept found a womans body in my daughters bed. I have since married my childhood sweetheart and that has been none to easy. Through it all God was my constant companion. Though I continued to struggle with my own demons I raised many children even though I only gave birth to two. At this point in my life I am enjoying many grandbabies and many of them are not blood related. I feel that God has truly blessed me with my life and my sanity. I would love to have this book to add to my strength and allow god to use another vessel to speak to me as I still struggle. Thank you and God bless!
My husband has been having many medical issues and sometimes I feel like I am in a new time in my life. I would love to read this book and get some wisdom on how to prepare better for the control that doctors and nurses have over my husband’s life at times and the strength I need from God. I read Don’s book and seriously never considered what his wife went through……
When my fiancé suddenly died 8.5 years ago of a heart attack, I turned away from God. But he did not turn from me and he gave me the confidence to start my life over hundreds of miles from Michigan. I did not realize at the time that this was going on. But in doing so I met a new man, asked him if he would go with me to a church that I had been hearing about and had my heart broken open and I follow God so fervently now that it has changed my life totally. Oh, by the way, Bill and I also got married!
God’s Holy Spirit is slowly securing my confidence. As of two days ago, driving in to work, I was very depressed and for the first time I did not care whether I would live or not. I actually thought why not just keep driving and die in an accident? You see, my depression stemmed from work, my fear of failure and false accusations made against me during a performance review. In baby steps and baby bites of His word, I am receiving I am not alone in my battles, that fear is not of God and Gods angel armies are on my every side (thank you ChrisTomlin). In my weakness, I am being made strong. I may not feel strong but God says I am in Him. Thank you Renee for sharing your heart and Eva for sharing your journey. Lovingly, Marti