This article was written by an English teacher. It was not written or produced by any particular religious group or denomination. It is provided free of charge as an expression of God’s love for mankind.

On January 2, 1982, a premature baby girl entered this world in the midst of what seemed like a hopeless situation. She was born without a heartbeat. Born nearly eight weeks early, the doctors gave up hope for her survival. They told her parents they were sorry, but their newborn did not make it. The doctors focused on caring for her mother, who was having complications from the labor and delivery.

Still, this baby’s parents did not give up hope. They knew God was faithful. Struggling to cope with the situation, they did not rely on some eloquent prayer. They did not call on the doctors. They called on Jesus Christ. They simply prayed, “Jesus, help.”

As her parents prayed, the little girl began to cough like a small kitten. The doctors were amazed, yet some of them said she would likely have limited cognitive ability, even if she did survive. Her parents wanted her to live regardless of the challenges she might face.

At the tender age of seven days old, this premature baby had heart surgery. Even so, her parents continued to pray, having faith God would heal her body and make her whole. After spending many weeks in Shands Neonatal Center in Gainesville, Florida, the parents of this baby girl were finally able to bring her home.

The doctors said she could have developmental challenges, but God had other plans. Now, at the age of forty-one years old, she has since completed six years of college with honors, earning her Master of Science degree in English education with a 4.0 GPA. She is in her eighteenth year of teaching public school and serving as an adjunct English professor. Obviously, God had a plan for her life beyond what the medical world could provide. God had His hand on this little baby from the very moment she was born. He has a purpose for her life. Jesus heard her parent’s cries for help, and He answered them.

My name is Jennifer Campbell. That little baby girl was me. I was born lifeless. God raised me up and gave me life. I can tell you firsthand that God still performs miracles. I thank Him every day for what He has done for me. Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The same One who worked a miracle in my life will do the same for you. He will never change, nor will His love for us.

When I was born, my mom and dad humbly prayed in faith, “Jesus, help.” They believed this promise to be true: “‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them’” (Matt. 18:20). My parents spoke the name above all names, Jesus Christ. Because of the miraculous power of Jesus Christ and God’s grace, I am alive today.

Apostle Paul wrote, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). God began working in my life even before I was born. He knew my mom and dad would endure one of the biggest trials of their lives on the day I came into the world. He also knew He would complete the good work He had begun in my life. My parents prayed and had faith, and God answered by completing the work He had set out to accomplish.

Since the day I was born, God has brought me through many trials. In the fall of 2018, I experienced one of the most difficult times of my life. A severe throbbing in my right leg escalated into a three-month long battle, which threatened my life. The symptoms caused critical side effects, including dangerously high blood pressure. Following multiple scans, tests, and appointments, the doctors presented some discouraging images to my dad and me. The MRI results showed what looked like a mass, which had grown to the entire width of my leg. As I heard the physicians saying words like cancer, oncology, and amputation, my mind raced with the implications of the possible diagnoses. My dad and I found this news to be greatly discouraging. I remember crying myself to sleep that night, wondering what the coming days would bring.

Even in the midst of these dismal circumstances, my dad and I held on to the promise in God’s Word that says we can receive healing through the stripes Jesus bore on the cross (Isa. 53:5). We knew God would walk beside us in the midst of this horrible trial. In October, I had surgery to repair damaged arteries in my leg, caused by my connective tissue disorder. God healed me, and mercifully allowed me to avoid cancer and to keep my leg as well. I give Him all of the glory, honor, and praise. Despite what some of the medical experts were telling me, I knew God would never fail. I thank God for the caring specialist who patiently operated on my leg for three tedious hours. The right doctor at the right time is sometimes very critical. Then and now, I believe God made the arrangements, and His hand was at work. I had calm assurance that He would give me peace in the middle of this dark valley.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This passage in God’s Word is not referring to the eternal peace we will one day have in Heaven, for we will not experience anxiety when we are forever at home with the Lord. I do not believe anyone in Heaven will be standing around the throne of God asking for peace, as peace will certainly abound when we are in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

On the contrary, life on earth is a continuous stream of tribulations and trials, so our unending need for peace is truly great. Philippians chapter four tells us how to have peace even in the most violent storms of life. First, we must pray. However, we cannot simply present our requests to God. We must also come before Him with thanksgiving. We must be thankful. You may be wondering how you are supposed to be grateful for a calamity. God is not demanding that we thank Him for the trials, but instead, we are to thank Him and praise Him in the midst of the trials. When we pray and thank Him for everything He has done, then we will receive God’s perfect peace. God is our only source of true peace.

As I endured such a physical battle in 2018, there were times when the pain in my leg was so great that I could barely even speak. I had confidence the Lord would bring me through, but sometimes, I felt as if this trial was seemingly without end. I felt like the psalmist David who questioned the Lord, inquiring, “How long, O Lord?” (Ps. 13:1). He was terribly worried and distraught, much as I was when I was facing such life-threatening health concerns. Day after day, week after week, month after month, I sought the Lord for comfort, healing, and deliverance.

Is this you? Are you seeking an answer from God today? If you are going through a difficult situation in your life, look to God for strength. The Bible says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). I can tell you with full confidence that God answers prayer. Just as God answered my prayer and healed my body, He will answer your humble cry for help. He will comfort you, heal you, and rescue you. As First Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Whatever you are going through, Jesus wants to help you. No situation can place you beyond the reach of Jesus Christ. He can heal the sick, mend broken hearts, and restore shattered lives. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the friend who is “closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24). Put your trust in Jesus today.

Jesus Christ loves you more than you could ever truly imagine. He will help you, just as He helped me the day I was born. He continues to help me every day of my life. Call on the name of Jesus Christ. Every single time you need Him, Jesus will answer your cry for help.

Because of love, Jesus paved the way for us to receive redemption: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Jesus Christ was not looking for fame or fortune. He gave His life for us on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins and because of love (1 John 3:16). He rose again on the third day and is sitting at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf. You may wonder why He would go to such great lengths for you. It is because of God’s great love for humankind.

God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son to die on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins (John 3:16). The Bible says we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Every single person is in dire need of salvation. If a person is sick, they must seek medical care, so they can get well. Jesus said, “‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick’” (Matt. 9:12). In like manner, the souls of every single person on earth are sick and full of sin. The only anecdote for sin is the shed blood of Jesus Christ. He is the only way to Heaven. If you are looking for everlasting hope, a constant friend and help in times of trouble, pray these words:

Dear Jesus, Thank You for loving me unconditionally. I believe You died on the cross and rose again. Please forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart and make me a new creation. I want to live for You. I want to worship and adore you forever. Help me share Your love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.