Daniel, I remember that night. The time playing games and laughing a nervous laugh, knowing that we were all scared of the outcomes of this kind of surgery. Will the doctors know what to do? Will the machinery work as intended? And most agonizing...will the new heart beat in your chest and sustain your life?
We watched with your mom and dad as the doctors pushed your bed through the doors into the operating room. The peace that God had given you was apparent on your face. The metal of their faith was revealed as the night drug on.
The waiting...
As I sat and waited through the night with your parents, I saw what I prayed I would see. Perseverant Faith. A faith that held fast to the Jesus who held them. A faith that had been well exercised in their lives as they faced the many storms of life and ministry. The chaff of big faith was gone. All that remained was the kernel of faith at the core of their lives.
We waited hour upon hour...
That terrible night, that tear-filled night... that holy night.
One of the doctors finally came out and gave us the words of life. "The heart has started to beat in Daniels body." Tears erupted again, but now tears of joy. Thank you, Father!
The next weeks were so hard as your body recovered from the trauma, but you, and your faith, and the skill of the doctors, and the prayers of the saints, and the sovereign hand of God brought your body to health. It is a fragile health, but it is just enough for you to be the man God has called you to be.
I love your story, Daniel. I love how you are growing into the enormity of your story.
Daniel, the wisdom you have gained in reflecting on Truth along your journey of suffering is inspiring. I am so thankful for you and for the extended years God has granted you already; you - and they - are answers to prayer. Losing Kerri has clarified my desire to both live and die well…to reflect Christ to others and to nurture the relationships God has blessed me to curate in this life. Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging the world toward those two things that matter most. You are so loved and often prayed for!!! To God be the glory!
Thank you so much for sharing. This is beautiful and heartbreaking and real. Your humility and faith are truly amazing. I’m so glad you are my friend!!
Thank you, Daniel for inviting us into your beautiful story of grace and faith and your precious relationship with Jesus. Your words and your life magnify and glorify the Lord and are an encouragement and inspiration.
Wow. So encouraged to read this. You may not remember me but my family visited your family I think twice (also live in Co also lived in that country for high school :)) thank you for sharing your revelations. Very thought out and convicting to read. I am a nurse and have been yearning to read and learn more about suffering. Thank you for sharing your story and the life lessons you have gained. It’s so encouraging and very clear to me God has such a purposes for your life and wants to use your voice in the future too. Lots of wisdom can be gained and developed in suffering. Thanks for being vulnerable on the internet and I definitely am subscribed for future blog posts!
Hi there! My name is Anna, I’m friends with the Nitzes. Crystal put your article on her facebook, and can i just say… this is such a powerful story. God has blessed you with such a beautiful talent for writing, and its so incredible that you used that gift to glorify him more by telling your miracle story. I’m so encouraged. So inspired. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thanks so much for sharing your story!! I love how God allows us to join Him in His holy work just by sharing our stories with one another. Thanks for your encouragement and for your wisdom. For sharing those lessons learned only in suffering with Jesus.
Daniel, I remember that night. The time playing games and laughing a nervous laugh, knowing that we were all scared of the outcomes of this kind of surgery. Will the doctors know what to do? Will the machinery work as intended? And most agonizing...will the new heart beat in your chest and sustain your life?
We watched with your mom and dad as the doctors pushed your bed through the doors into the operating room. The peace that God had given you was apparent on your face. The metal of their faith was revealed as the night drug on.
The waiting...
As I sat and waited through the night with your parents, I saw what I prayed I would see. Perseverant Faith. A faith that held fast to the Jesus who held them. A faith that had been well exercised in their lives as they faced the many storms of life and ministry. The chaff of big faith was gone. All that remained was the kernel of faith at the core of their lives.
We waited hour upon hour...
That terrible night, that tear-filled night... that holy night.
One of the doctors finally came out and gave us the words of life. "The heart has started to beat in Daniels body." Tears erupted again, but now tears of joy. Thank you, Father!
The next weeks were so hard as your body recovered from the trauma, but you, and your faith, and the skill of the doctors, and the prayers of the saints, and the sovereign hand of God brought your body to health. It is a fragile health, but it is just enough for you to be the man God has called you to be.
I love your story, Daniel. I love how you are growing into the enormity of your story.
And I love you, sweet nephew.
Thanks! Love you too uncle Sam!!!!
Daniel, the wisdom you have gained in reflecting on Truth along your journey of suffering is inspiring. I am so thankful for you and for the extended years God has granted you already; you - and they - are answers to prayer. Losing Kerri has clarified my desire to both live and die well…to reflect Christ to others and to nurture the relationships God has blessed me to curate in this life. Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging the world toward those two things that matter most. You are so loved and often prayed for!!! To God be the glory!
Thank you so much for sharing. This is beautiful and heartbreaking and real. Your humility and faith are truly amazing. I’m so glad you are my friend!!
Thank you, Daniel for inviting us into your beautiful story of grace and faith and your precious relationship with Jesus. Your words and your life magnify and glorify the Lord and are an encouragement and inspiration.
Wow. So encouraged to read this. You may not remember me but my family visited your family I think twice (also live in Co also lived in that country for high school :)) thank you for sharing your revelations. Very thought out and convicting to read. I am a nurse and have been yearning to read and learn more about suffering. Thank you for sharing your story and the life lessons you have gained. It’s so encouraging and very clear to me God has such a purposes for your life and wants to use your voice in the future too. Lots of wisdom can be gained and developed in suffering. Thanks for being vulnerable on the internet and I definitely am subscribed for future blog posts!
Awesome story! Love your blog!
Thanks man!
Hi there! My name is Anna, I’m friends with the Nitzes. Crystal put your article on her facebook, and can i just say… this is such a powerful story. God has blessed you with such a beautiful talent for writing, and its so incredible that you used that gift to glorify him more by telling your miracle story. I’m so encouraged. So inspired. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thank you so much for the encouragement Anna! Happy Easter!
Daniel I am so glad that you shared you story!
Thanks so much for sharing your story!! I love how God allows us to join Him in His holy work just by sharing our stories with one another. Thanks for your encouragement and for your wisdom. For sharing those lessons learned only in suffering with Jesus.