Robert Morris shares a powerful testimony of God’s goodness during a life-threatening health crisis. This moving account explores the reality of spiritual warfare, the power of prayer, and the unwavering certainty of God’s control.
Robert Morris shares his testimony of God’s goodness.
Shortly after Easter, a routine hernia surgery took an unexpected turn. Six days post-op, while at his remote retreat, Pastor Morris began to feel unwell. What started as mild discomfort quickly escalated into a life-threatening emergency. He lost consciousness in the bathtub, a terrifying experience for his wife, Debbie, who witnessed his stopped breathing and feared the worst. Paramedics arrived, administered fluids, and initially suspected dehydration. However, the situation worsened, and a second call for help revealed a blood pressure too low to read. The gravity of the situation became undeniable when paramedics struggled to find a pulse. A helicopter flight to Baylor Hospital became the only option, a race against time as Pastor Morris internally bled from two torn arteries.
Robert Morris recounts the events of his medical emergency.
The flight to Baylor was crucial. Upon arrival, he had lost over half his blood, exceeding the threshold typically associated with fatality. The medical team immediately initiated life-saving measures, including multiple IV lines delivering blood and fluids. A CAT scan revealed a large hematoma in his abdomen, confirming internal bleeding. Emergency surgery addressed one torn artery, but a second bleed remained undetected. Despite transfusions, his blood pressure remained dangerously low. A subsequent CAT scan revealed another hematoma, leading to a second surgery where the remaining tear was finally located and cauterized. The recovery process was arduous, including a bout with pneumonia in the ICU, but ultimately successful.
This near-death experience profoundly impacted Pastor Morris, revealing three key truths. First, spiritual warfare is real. While acknowledging the crucial role of medical intervention, he emphasizes the spiritual battle that accompanied his physical affliction. Satan, he reminds us, seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, and daily prayer for deliverance and protection is essential.
Second, God answers prayer. The overwhelming outpouring of prayer from the global body of Christ, including hours-long prayer meetings in India, China, and Guatemala, was, he believes, instrumental in his survival. The surgeon himself confirmed there was no medical explanation for both the occurrence of two simultaneous arterial tears and Pastor Morris’s survival.
Pastor Morris reflects on the power of prayer in his recovery.
Third, God is in control. Even amidst the chaos and uncertainty, a divine order orchestrated events. From the first responders who illuminated the landing field for the helicopter to the medical professionals who provided expert care, God’s hand was evident. The experience led Pastor Morris to rename the field on his property “Goodness Field,” a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Perhaps the most profound aspect of this experience was Pastor Morris’s encounter with God in the helicopter. He describes a palpable sense of God’s presence, a feeling of being on the verge of heaven. He felt no fear, only immense peace and an unexpected joy. His thoughts turned to his family and his ministry, but without regret or concern, knowing that God would care for them. He felt a timeless awareness that he would see them again soon. This experience, he believes, was a glimpse of eternity.
In the helicopter, Pastor Morris expressed his desire to remain on earth for his family and his ministry. He voiced his belief that God wasn’t finished with him yet, and received a clear response: “I’m not.” This divine assurance brought unshakeable certainty that he would live.
This powerful testimony underscores the importance of accepting Christ before it’s too late. Death can come unexpectedly, and there may not be time for last-minute repentance. It also offers comfort to those grieving lost loved ones, assuring them of the joy and peace they experience in God’s presence.
This experience transformed Pastor Morris’s perspective on life and ministry, emphasizing the importance of prayer, faith, and the unwavering goodness of God. He encourages everyone to embrace a life of faith and to share God’s love with the world.
