A few short weeks after his double bypass, my husband Matthew deteriorated. He was sent to the hospital in Faial, Azores, because Pico is not equipped for heart problems. The next day, I took the boat to go and see him.

The doctor took me aside afterwards and told me that they were expecting his passing in two days because of the medical information. I listened in disbelief because I was praying and believing for God to give him more time. I told him of miracles for people I knew back home who were told the same thing, and they didn't die.

As I left, I had a few minutes of a pity party cry, and then, the Spirit took over, and I walked out of there confident.

Isaiah 41:10a – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. (NIV)

The next day, I received a phone call that the boat to Faial was cancelled. I called the hospital to see how Matthew was and to let them know about the boat. The nurse informed me that the doctor was not there yet, but then, she said, "Wait a minute." I was expecting the doctor to come to the phone, but I was put on hold. With no one coming to the phone, I hung up. All of a sudden, I got a gut pain and started to pray in the Spirit. The pain became stronger as I was walking back and forth — I'm not sure for how long — but then a peace came over me. I asked God to be with whoever that was all about. I had no thought that it involved Matthew. I called the hospital again. The doctor answered and informed me that when the nurse put me on hold, they called Code Blue and were shocking Matthew. By then, he was okay and resting.

I believe that the following Scripture describes what was going on when they called Code Blue.

Romans 8:26-27 – In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. (NIV)

The Spirit was interceding for Matthew's life. Praise God, I got to have eleven more days with him. I thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit and the gift of praying in the Spirit. We are never alone. God has the last word. He is in control no matter what the doctors say.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, giver of all good things, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit Who helps us in so many ways. Open our hearts and ears so we can clearly be where You want us to be in our lives spiritually, emotionally, and physically. In Jesus' holy name, we pray. Amen.