“I’m Right Here”

HEARTToday marks the second anniversary of my open-heart surgery. I am so grateful to be here! There were complications that arose during the surgery and I almost died. I did not wake up for three days, but sometime during those three days something very significant happened to me. God spoke to me, only three words, but they changed the way I think about Him.

I remember only a little from those three days. I remember hearing familiar voices though I could not get to where they were. I remember being confused and frightened. I didn’t know where I was or what had happened to me, but I knew God. I knew He promised never to leave me or forsake me, but I couldn’t find Him. I cried out to Him, “Where are You?” And immediately He answered me, “I’m right here.” It was the same quiet voice I had heard many times before, entirely loving, utterly void of condemnation. I was confused and troubled but He was not anxious, not surprised, not confused, not concerned. I said, “I thought You’d be different.” I thought because I was upset and confused and frightened, He would at least be concerned about my condition. It’s funny how we equate anxiety with love. But God was not anxious about me. He had me and nothing was out of control. I cannot tell you the peace that gave me.

I had forgotten that God never changes. He is never worried about me. He is never surprised or upset or confused. He is not even concerned because He is God and He already has a plan for everything. He knows the end from the beginning and holds it all in His hands. He cannot be overwhelmed by anything! He is the One fixed center around which all creation turns. He is the One absolute in the midst of universal wavering. His sovereignty is so unquestionable that with three words He quelled my fear and straightened out my perspective.

“I’m right here,” He said. and His Presence made everything alright. The circumstances were the same — I still did not know where I was or what had happened to me — but the reminder of His Presence with me settled my soul.

Today, two years later, I am so very grateful my heart still beats and there is breath in my body.  But I am even more grateful that God is in control and that His love for me is as unchangeable as His sovereign power.

. . . for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, . . . Hebrews 13:5-6 (NAS)

44 thoughts on ““I’m Right Here”

  1. Diane Graham

    Gloria, I thank God you are here today. Thank you for writing again. Today’s was very touching. I love our God so very much and this a reminder how much He loves us.

    Reply
  2. Janice Rushin

    Beautiful! I’ve just read crafted prayer by Graham Cooke and your post reminded me of how calm God is over us. Our becoming still and in rest with him can let us tap into that calm and be free from anxiety. I love the words He spoke to you and your response…
    Missed you at our 50 year reunion!

    Reply
    1. Gloria Post author

      I was so sorry to miss the reunion. It sounds like it was a lot of fun and so great to see old classmates again after 50 years! I have read the Graham Cooke book too. Such a blessing! Thanks for making a comment. It’s good to hear from you!

      Reply
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  3. Debbie Bosiack

    I am so very blessed as I read your experience. It reminds me we never need fear what might come into our lives, because our Father God is evet-present to bring peace and comfort. I praise and thank Him for your recovery, dear friend!

    Reply
    1. Gloria Post author

      Thank you, Debbie. God is so good! Today as I was bringing my old blog back to life I was reminded of Wellspring and so grateful for you. That is another place where God had a plan we could not see but how glorious now that it is coming to fulfillment!

      Reply
  4. Sheri

    Hello my friend! What a wonderful testimony of God’s unchanging faithfulness. We are so thankful for your presence in the land of the living. Hooray! 2 years!

    Reply
  5. shelly holloway

    Gloria .. I love this ! Today was the last meeting of our womens Tuesday am meetings… we have met since 1967! OUr church will be merging with another church on July 31 and my husband will be no longer be a pastor… and looking for employment. We are facing radical changes and are filled with joy that God has orchestrated all these transitions. But that said… I am here is comforting and as you say God is not anxious about our anxiety! ha.. thank you again for this lovely timely post.

    Reply
    1. Gloria Post author

      Life is full of these challenges isn’t it? But we face them from the center of God’s heart, more than conquerers because of His great love that enfolds us. I do so appreciate your comment and that something I wrote blessed you. Your words on FB have done the same for me so many times! Michael and I will be praying for you. If there is any way we can help or encourage please let us know. Love and blssings to you!

      Reply
  6. Ruby Pitt

    Hello, Gloria, A beautiful message! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! He still has great work for you! Look forward to seeing more messages from you! Hope we will be able to see you and Mike at EWCE at some point! Love and hugs to both of you! God bless always! Ruby

    Reply
    1. Gloria Post author

      Deat Ruby, Thank you so much! I have always said, if you have breath in your body, God has a purpous for you! You and I are still breathing!

      Reply
  7. Tiffany

    Thank you Gloria 🙂 What a gentle reminder of His faithfulness and that although we may feel confused and anxious He is never overwhelmed….He already knows everything. I needed this…Bless you ♡♡♡♡
    ♡ Tiffany

    Reply
    1. Gloria Post author

      Thank you, Tiffany. God is so good and so great but we all need reminders! I enjoyed the visit with you at the wedding — so good to see you and Tony again!

      Reply
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      Reply
  8. Jonda Crews

    Thank you for sharing this. You have been through SO much; your finding God faithful has weight, has staying power. I, too, am VERY grateful that you are still here, still breathing, still lifting up the Name of Jesus. Love you!!!!

    Reply
    1. Gloria Post author

      Thank you, my friend! How can we do anything else but declare the faithfulness of the Lord? There is no circumstance that can separate us from His love so that we are always more than conquerers. I love you and appreciate you in my life.

      Reply
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      I was wondering if you ever thought of replacing the layout of your web site? It is well written; I enjoy what youve got to say. But maybe you could create a little more in the way of written content so people could connect with it better. You have got a great deal of wording for only having one or two graphics. Maybe you can space it out better?

      Reply
  9. Lawanda Kirsch

    Gloria, beautiful piece and so timely. I needed to be reminded that God is right here and nothing suprise or upset Him. Thank you for sharing. Love and miss your beautiful face.

    Reply
    1. Gloria Post author

      Seems like we all need to be reminded sometimes. Life has a way of distracting us from the goodness and love of God. Love, Gloria

      Reply
  10. Kim Bullard

    Thank you for sharing. I am changed forever because of you and Michael too. You are so dear and precious to me. I miss and love you much.

    Reply
  11. Phyllis Sewell Clark

    So happy to know God has raised you up to fulfill your purpose. This blog is one I’ll never forget. Three simple words but truly life changing knowing He will NEVER leave us. I think we all needed this reminder that in all circumstances…He is there in love, peace and glory. You are a blessing!! Missed you at our 50th.

    Reply
    1. Gloria Post author

      Thanks, Phyllis. I was so sorry to miss the reunion. And thanks for your kind words. God is so amazingly faithful. I think we can go through anything when we remember He is with us!

      Reply
  12. Jane F Pagura

    So thankful you were healed and able to continue on your mission. Hope to see you at our next reunion. God be with you.

    Reply
  13. Hilda B. Roberts-Freeman

    Gloria, thank you for sharing this experience with us. It is in the deep dark nights that He promises us that He will be there; not because we deserve his mercies, but because of His great love for us. You have shared this in a beautiful way. I pray you will continue to improve.

    Reply
  14. Lilja Astvaldsdottir

    Beautifull Gloria, Thank you.

    Can we meet on Skype this week? When would be a good time for you? Love Lilja

    Reply
  15. Sandi

    Hi Gloria. I didn’t know your address so I sent a message to Me C’s Facebook. Hope you guys get it. 🙂

    Reply
  16. Beth Stanfield

    Gloria,
    Such a blessing to hear your heart, and God’s, in your testimony. “I’m right here. ” What a joy-filled promise. Goes right along with His constant invitation, “Come unto Me”.
    So good to be with you. Write on! You are a Barnabus and bring much glory to our Lord.
    Love, Beth

    Reply
    1. Gloria Post author

      It is always a treat to be with you too! Love your comment pairing those two scriptures: “Come unto me” and “I will never leave you or forsake you”. God is faithful! Love you.

      Reply

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