A significant chapter of my life
My journey began on 1st December 2006, when I was diagnosed with a critical blockage in the left main artery of my heart. Angioplasty was not an option, as any intervention could risk obstructing blood flow to the entire heart, leaving me with no choice but to undergo bypass surgery. My family and I sought a second opinion from a cardiothoracic surgeon, whose assessment mirrored the first. Due to the severity of the condition, the surgery had to be performed as soon as possible.
The left main artery is often referred to as the “widow-maker” because a blockage there can be fatal. Here’s an extract from ‘Heart to Heart’ by Philip S Chua M.D. – “While the fact that heart attack kills is a common knowledge, most people do not know that the stenosis (blockage) of one particular coronary artery is the subtle and treacherous killer that usually victimizes and claims the lives of younger men, many times suddenly, without warning. This culprit is the left main coronary artery, and many times, without the classical symptoms of chest pains or any indication at all that there is a blockage…”
Why do I share this? Firstly, to declare God, in His mercy, allowed the classical symptoms of chest pain to surface – without them, I wouldn’t have known about the blockage, and could have faced sudden death. Secondly, to highlight the seriousness of my condition – it was life-threatening. In overwhelming challenges, we often forget how big our God is. Matthew 19:26 reminds us: with God, all things are possible. Jesus is greater than any challenge we face. Though I faced anxiety, I chose to fix my eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), not out of denial, but from a deep conviction of who He is. I thank God for the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), and the strength as I continue to lean on His grace.
One might ask, “Why His grace and not His healing?” The reason is: When I stopped all medication and fasted for a week, seeking God’s direction, He spoke to me clearly – “My grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). The message was unmistakable. I know when the Lord speaks, for I’ve heard His voice before – just as a sheep knows the voice of its shepherd. To some, my choice to trust in divine healing over bypass surgery was foolishness but the voice of the Lord overpowers all other voices. (A gentle word of caution: Please do not stop any medication unless you hear directly from God. What I heard from Him was personal and specific – I acted in obedience and faith, not presumption).
Over the years, my health improved steadily. There were moments I contemplated checking my heart condition – not out of fear, but from a sincere desire to testify to God’s healing. Yet I felt no urgency as living each day in His grace was already a testimony in itself. Still, I wondered if medical evidence might reveal God’s glory more fully. I surrendered that thought and was grateful to be walking in His grace. But unknown to me, God had other plans.
Fast forward to late 2011 – during a routine visit to the periodontist, a 5cm cyst was found in my gums, requiring cardiology clearance before treatment. In that moment, I felt it was God’s perfect timing to re-examine my heart. The cardiologist reviewed my old scans and angiogram, and in astonishment, remarked that with such a blockage, I shouldn’t have survived. Clearly, God was (and is) in control.
On 4 January 2012, I underwent an MSCT Coronary Angiography, and after the scan, the consultant cardiologist at Health Scan looked at me in disbelief and declared that my heart was perfectly healthy with no blockages at all! A clean bill of health! Praise the Lord! He even asked briefly about my faith. I believe a seed was sown that day, for a miracle had unfolded before his eyes. And with medical evidence in hand, I could boldly proclaim that I’ve been miraculously healed!
Then in 2024 (last year), after experiencing some chest discomfort, my regular doctor, aware of my history, urged me to go for another CT scan, So on 27 March 2024, I went for a CT angiogram. Once again, the results came back clear – no blockages! What a powerful encouragement to know that my heart has remained healthy – 18 years after the initial diagnosis. It wasn’t just a one-time healing – it was evidence of God’s sustaining power over the years. This brings to mind the words from:
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
There are moments in life when we feel overwhelmed by fear, by a diagnosis, by circumstances beyond our control. When I was first told of the heart blockage, it felt like one of those moments. But now, nearly two decades later, I can boldly declare: “I was not consumed” – not because of my own strength, or because the road was easy but because the steadfast love of the Lord carried me”.
From medical appointments to whispered prayers in the waiting rooms, God’s compassions never failed me. In 2012, when the cardiologist declared my heart in perfect condition, a miracle took place. Yet it was the 2024 scan that truly affirmed God’s healing is whole and complete, with no recurrence. While we live in a fallen world where ailments may return, my experience testifies that God doesn’t merely heal – He sustains! Every day, every heartbeat is a fresh outpouring of His enduring mercy and faithfulness.
Thank You, Lord. My life is a living testimony of Your healing, faithfulness and goodness. You turned my fear into faith, my weakness into strength, and my diagnosis into a declaration of Your glory. May my story bring hope to others and point them to the God who heals, restores, and walks with us through every season. All glory, honour and praise be to Jesus Christ, my Healer and Sustainer!
Dolly's Sharing 