Wednesday, I was working out with my trainer and was exhausted beyond belief. Huffing, puffing, and wheezing. Heart rate would not go down for a long time. Got up the next morning and suddenly everything took my breath away. Walking up a few stairs, even putting on my clothes. I decided to go to the doctor. I told him it was probably a chest cold. He did an EKG, checked my vital signs and everything was perfect. He looked me in the eye and said, “I know this sounds crazy, I have no evidence of anything wrong but my HUNCH is you need to go to the E.R. “
I thought, “Ok, I’ll go but a hunch?” Kind of ridiculous. They did a CAT Scan and found that I had pulmonary embolism. Major blood clots on my lungs. Day-by-day choking the air out of my lungs. The doctor said, “There’s a better than 50% you would not have made it on your plane trip Sunday. You were 48 hours away from possible death.”
I wept at God’s grace. How amazing it truly is. A doctor acting on a hunch, being forced to go in because of the marathon on Sunday (Normally too stubborn). A few days before that I was huffing and puffing in a softball tournament about to faint. Our team was winning by ten runs last inning and if we win we would keep on playing more games. The other team made a ten run rally with two outs in the last inning to come back and win. The other team making that comeback allowed us to go home. One more victory would have meant two more games and could have sent me over the edge.
WHEN YOU LOOK DEATH IN THE EYE AND GOD SAVES YOU A SECOND CHANCE ANOINTING CONSUMES YOU.
You see God in everything. You see Him in the little hunches the doctor has, even though the doctor has no idea the Spirit is leading him. You see God in dropped balls and crazy losses that ultimately lead to saving your life. There’s a song by George Strait called, “I saw God today.” It was about a man who finally opens his eyes and sees God in everything. I can honestly say, “I saw God today….and all week.”
I know I received a second chance at life. Now, it’s time to see God in everything. I will no longer live my life bypassing God but will see His hand in everything. I’m thankful, still a little startled, but so fired up to live like a new man. Thank you all for the prayers. I love you!
P.S. – Blood clots are being dissolved and I will be getting home care all week. Might be at church Thursday; for sure Sunday.
Wow! Brought tears to my eyes. Praise God for the doctor’s hunch and for His healing! I have been so inspired by you when I found your blog and podcasts a few weeks ago. So glad I will continue to be inspired by your amazing ministry.
My name is janie and i read your blog on going home and with miricales. Im a 37 yr old women with an addiction to meth i been in your dcd program 3 times. Yet to complete the full year. Im writing this blog to tell you about my incounter with death i face it day that im addicted, last nite i felt like i was going to die. I started getting weak faintish cold sweat i couldnt stand up i was so dizzy. At that moment i pleaded with God please dont let me die i dont wana die!! I asked for a second chance at life, and i surf the internet trying to win a contest. It tells us to search everything dat comes to mind. Well i searched dreamcenenter and looked u up i read your blog on how you God saved you from dying. A second chance at life WHEN I READ WHAT U WROTE I KNEW GOD HEARD MY PRAYERS! I need your help paster and my husband does too! He is looking at 35 years because u see he is also an addict, he was caught with drugs on him he has two strikes this is a third but his lawyer told him he can help him fight it. We are asking that he get a program. Theres no better program than yours for both of us, please pastor please reply to my blog. I KNOW GOD IS GOING TO GIVES FAVOR BECAUSE WE ARE BOTH CHILDDREN OF GOD…. Thank you pastor. Respecfullly Janie
I have been so incredibly blessed by you and the dream center ministry. I had the opportunity to meet you over the past summer the Sunday after the 4th of July Carnival. When I heard you were in the hospital I began to pray, but it really choked me up. Almost as if I had gotten the news about a best friend being in a pressing situation. I just want you to know how much you and your wife ministerd to me when I came to visit the dream center. The second thought I had after was to bind satan, sickness, and pray God’s touch over you. I thought to myself what a man of God that the devil is so threatened by that he was trying to take you down. But He who is in you is GREATER than he that is in the world. This is going to be a powerful testimony and God is just setting the stage to use to this increase your influence and voice on the earth all for God’s glory! Its so amazing how we can face the hardest things but we can face them with the peace of God that surpasses all understanding! I am so happy to hear how quickly you are recovering. Take it easy and enjoy this time to just sit at His feet.
My prayer for you is
Colossians 1:11- AMP-[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy!
:) Love Ya Pastor Matthew!
You still have a lot of unfinished work to do for Jesus, it’s not your time to go. The Lord has preserved your life, rekindled a new fire under you, given you new perspectives, and probably new revelations too. I love you Pastor, I’m glad you’re doing better, can’t wait to see you back at church, behind the pulpit preaching, and giving the devil hell. I know that a huge blessing, miracle, and breakthrough is on the horizon and that’s why Satan came at you like this, but the God we serve is good and you’re highly favored; thus protected by Jesus.
Pastor, it’s clear He’s not finished with you yet… take a moment and check out “Wait and See” by Brandon Heath – you can listen to it free on Spotify. :) When I read your post, this is the song that came to mind.
Also, my husband and I were out there just last Thursday – all the way from Dallas and the guest speaker was from Dallas. Lol Anyhow, we’re working on moving out there to work with you all. I was there 15 years ago on a mission trip with ORU and I never had such a great time putting bunk beds together in the Dream Center and walking the streets with your teams. I told your dad I’d be back and I’m finally going to get there and get to bring my family now. :)
God has amazing plans :) :)
I will tell our church to be praying for you too. Our very own, Pastor Randy Free, just had a doctor tell him he had a serious heart condition and they were prepping him for surgery a few weeks back. That week as people of God prayed, he was miraculously healed and the doctor took pictures of the unclogged arteries instead of doing surgery. He showed them to Pastor Randy and had no explanation… but God. :) We will pray for you to be healed as well!!
I cried when Caroline told the story at church last Sunday. We serve an awesome God! So glad that that you are doing well. Just seeing you at the edge of your seat every Thursday service, clapping and jumping blesses my children and I sooo much…and when you say ‘ I love you church after every service you say it so sincerely . I am so priviledged to serve under such a great man of God. Please take it easy. My children and I love you.
Bravo! Bravo!
Great! Great! Great blog!
Out church has been praying for you and it’s so Amazing to see the Hand of God at work!
I loved your delivery of the pieces of the puzzle being put together to show the Masters MasterPiece! A lost game. A hardwork out. A hunchful doctor! Beautiful!
All things DO work for good to those who love the Lord & are called for His purpose! And you my dear friend are called for a Divine purpose in thousands of lives!
Even when the devil thought he can get you down in a bed your still running fast & making a difference! Great Attitude!
So thankful for little hunches and so thankful you Dr. had one. Thankful God answered many prayers. He is surely not calling you home yet, we all have so much to learn from you.
I’m a widow of nearly 7 months. My husband’s life was cut short by the same condition.
I am thankful and praising God for this outcome.
For your outcome. Not my husband’s. :)
So glad for your “doctor’s “hunch” and for your miracle!
Your post only confirms my belief that trials and tribulation only bring us closer to God. It is that we see Him more than ever–not as some vague, non powerful, call it what you want to Higher Power. It is God Himself showing His Power. He spared me twice as a young child. Once with spinal menigitis. Another time when my lungs keep collapsing like bubbles from bubble gum. Once He demonstrates His power to that degree, His identity is revealed most. Trials do not separate us from Him, they define HIM all the more.
So glad you’re doing better and that you went to the E.R. I heard you weren’t doing well but hadn’t seen since. God is definitely with you! Keep getting better!
God is SO Great!!! I’m so glad you are alright! He is everywhere around us, and watching.
Even in your trials I am sure you are blessing people endlessly.
So happy you are doing better! We have been praying for you. God is sooo awesome and it’s wonderful that you have a new perspective. God can do so much through our human weakness, it is amazing to watch him in action! We will continue to pray for your health and keep on taking care of yourself too! You’re an inspiration!
Praise God for His work in your life. Your life has been an amazing testimony to God’s power and grace for many years. With all that God has done through you, it is hard for me to imagine you needing a “second chance.” But if that is how God is speaking to you through this, then I pray that He will open your eyes to see Him and open your ears to hear Him in ways you never dreamed possible. God bless you, Pastor.
discipleship program it changed my life of course with jesus working in all of it.
thank you pastor mathew for all you do… sincerley rachel longo… went to discipleship
Man! you must of felt like paul the apostle the desire to be with the lord wich is better by far;but it was more necessary that you remain in the body that you continue with all of us for our progress and joy in the faith.That through you being with us our joy in christ jesus will over flow on account of YOU.I always feel like sauls son jonathan when im in your church.God bless you
This brought tears to my eyes! I just knew in my heart it couldn’t possibly be your time yet. You are doing so many wonderful and amazing things for so many people. They need you, we need you! Praise the Lord!
P. Matthew. I am soo happy that you are recovering and that You are able to see Gods hand in all that’s happened to you. It’s amazing how God is in the details. I have been a fan of what God has been doing through you ever since the Dream Center got started. My church family (Celebration Church in Georgetown, Texas lead by P. Joe & Lori Champion) along with my own family have been praying for you. I’m looking forward to seeing you out there full speed ahead!!!
Many Blessings. :–)
No such thing a LITTLE HUNCH Matthew – a miracle word from God to a Doctor –
Have watched your work at TDC since 1999 when I founded The Safe Haven Outreach for street kids of Launceston Tasmania – which in turn led myself and my wife to USA as directors of The Mercy Warehouse in 2008 – now moving on to Shalom Houses of Hope and Reborn-Recycled / Worn Again Clothing – http://www.aussiedandj.com
Prayers are with you Pastor Matthew
Pastor Matthew, I was with Donna Marshall on Saturday, March 17 when I heard you were in the hospital with blood clots on your lungs. I comforted Donna by letting her know even Rod Parsley had a health scare recently and was delivered back to health and I felt that God would do the same for you. I made one comment which may have sounded inappropriate given the seriousness of your condition, but I felt that was what the Lord blurted out of my mouth “Well, that ought to slow him down” I had know way of personally knowing whether you need to slow down or not. Also, I thought you created a christian college where the first year the students don’t date? I saw you on a christian television program excited about this college. I can’t find any information about that. Was that you or someone else? Anyways, I’m glad to hear you see God in the minutia nuances and details because believe me, that’s where he starts his directing….
Hi Pastor Matthew, I finally found what I thought was a full blown college at The Dream Center: themovementla@dreamcenter.org. The Movement has quickly developed into one of the premier ministry training and discipleship schools around the world – it’s sure to be an experience that the students will never forget.
No dating is permitted during the nine month session. Christ will be their sole commitment during their time here.
AWESOME!!!!!!
So happy you are okay. We need you in this world!
heard about that when your father told us at the Morris Cerullo meeting in Reno…thank GodAlmighty for His grace and healing touch my prayers are continually going out for you
Psalms 59:16 “But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress”
Praise the Lord for your recovery and enlightenment, Pastor Matthew. God bless you for being “a fortress and a refuge in the day[s] of distress” for so many of God’s children.
Your family and the Dream Center are ever in our prayers. Evie and Bill Clifford
God is awesome! I’m so glad to hear you’re recuperating well!
Unfortunately, you had to go through something like this, but thank that for us believers there is always a happy ending to the story<3 Its such a blessing when you find yourself humbled by how fragile life truly is.But in that humility is where all Gods power & Glory lies. Because once again were reminded were nothing without him<3 I look forward to seeing the work God does in you through this ordeal. And if I haven't said enough thank you for being gracious enough to share with us what God does in your life.<3
When I was around seven years old, this happened to my mom as well, two times. She also has MS, so she is definitely a miracle! I am amazed as to how awesome our God truly is. I am so glad everything’s all good again!:)
That is amazing. When you make the decision to open your eyes and surrender, God is in every detail. You, Pastor Matthew, have been on my heart for weeks and have mentioned your name in my conversation with God and so I know if He was putting you on my heart, He was puttin you on others as well. You have an amazing gift and God bless you
God Bless you Matthew! You are an inspiration to so many people. Thank you for reminding all of us about how precious and fragile life is everyday! You will have many great years ahead that will be full of God Surprises and greater blessing! Out of many great leaders I know and have met, and I have met a few:) I have always admired you for truly doing it the Jesus Style! Get strong, Marty Celaya
A righteouse man falls seven times; but he gets up again.
you have been on Westside’s prayer chain. glad you are better!!
Praise the Lord for keeping you safe, Matt! I would have been devastated to hear of your passing if it had happened. Although we have never met, you have become a great inspiration and mentor to me, and I will definitely need your help as God continues to cultivate areas of service within my life!
Please forgive me if that is selfish of me. We need you, Matt. May the Lord touch your body and heal you from all sickness. Love you, Matt!!
Amazing to hear how God guided you to discover those clots. God has not finished with you yet PM. You are a wonderful leader, whose servant heart is inspiring a generation about what it means to love people and to shine the love of Jesus in all situations. Everyday, everywhere with everyone. Praying that God continues to heal you, restore you to full strength. You are such a blessing to so many people and God is using you powerfully all over the world!!
Hope you are easing off the Jack in the box and the Taco Bell. Ha, joking, but I have driven your car before and yeah the evidence of a cheeky snack on the go, was all there. Say hi to the family for us PM and look forward to seeing you soon.
Lots of love, your brother and sister in Australia: Steve and Kelley Wright
Dear Matthew,
I have to tell you this story, you will be amazed by the work of God in action. I have a friend who did a proposal for a Dream Centre like yours in South Africa. He went to meet a friend and took this proposal with in case they did not have anything to talk about. On Saturday at artclass the documents were handed back to him and I asked about it. He gave this to me and I read it that night,we discussed this proposal and I got quite exited as I knew God is talking to me. The next morning I saw this book in my bookshelf that I have never seen before, called “The cause within you”. My husband did not remember buying the book. I decided to see what this book is all about. And quess what? This is your book about the Dream Centre. Wow, imagine what I was thinking. We are moving forward and persuing this dream. We have a lot of work ahead and could do with some help. Well I hope that you get well soon. God bless all of you. From Lize Fourie. South Africa
PASTOR MATHEW IS (THE REAL THOR)HES THE REAL SUPER HERO.
Thank you for sharing that. Isn’t it amazing, that awe struck feeling we get when we see God’s Love for us. You still have many works to do, Pastor, and your time here is still needed. May God continue to heal you, bless you and strengthen you in every way.
I used to go to your grandfather Herschel W. Barnett’s church, Victoria Tabernacle, before I got saved.
I didn’t know Tommy but I knew Joy Barnett.
When I lost my health, and then my wife at the time bailed out of the marriage, and I was at the end of my rope, I remembered how he used to emphasize how miserable he was before he accepted Jesus, and how happy he was afterwards, so Jesus is where I turned, thanks to him. And he was of course right about Jesus changing my life, as He did his.
PTL God spared you for the sake of your family and the many lives you have yet to touch through ministry.