SURPRISED BY GOD

August 15

Bible Reading: Acts 12:12-17

Acts 12:16, “But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.”

Having been miraculously rescued from prison by an angel of the Lord, Peter made his way to a prayer meeting being held on his behalf. The people were hesitant to believe the servant girl when she reported Peter had arrived. Peter kept knocking, and when they finally opened the gate and saw the answer to their prayers standing there, they were amazed!

We experienced a similar joyous amazement at the beginning of a Sunday evening service. We received the news that David had responded to treatment, and it looked like he was going to be okay. Though many had been earnestly praying for him, God’s answer still surprised us.

Some days earlier, David’s wife had found him lying on the floor, a victim of an apparent heart attack. She performed CPR, but they didn’t know how long he had been deprived of oxygen. He was transported to OHSU and placed on an ECMO machine (an ECMO machine pumps blood outside the body to remove carbon dioxide and send oxygen-rich blood back). Despite this, his condition had not improved and remained unconscious and unresponsive.  But people continued to pray earnestly.

I was with David’s wife and children in his ICU room when, as suggested by the physician, they said their final goodbyes. The doctors held a meeting with the family, explaining that since there had been no improvement after days on the ECMO machine, they planned to remove treatment. That was the last update I had received until the call came that he was going to recover. Needless to say, there was much rejoicing at this surprising and miraculous news. How good it is for us to pray to a God who can well surprise us and is always exceeding our expectations! 

In his commentary on the book of Acts, Jack Andrews writes, “The early church was used by God to reach their world for Jesus. They saw the power of God change hearts, save souls, rescue His children, and release those bound up by Satan.  Entire cities turned to Christ and the whole world turned upside down! The early church understood the importance and significance of prayer. They spent much time together in prayer, many hours laboring in prayer and fervent dedication to prayer! The early church talked to God, pleaded with God, wrestled in prayer to God, warred against the powers of darkness in prayer to God. The church must get back to fervent and faithful praying! If we are going to be used by God we must daily seek Him in prayer! Prayer was important to the early church! Is it important to you?”

It’s good to be surprised by God when He intervenes in response to our prayers, and we are once again reminded that God can do far more abundantly beyond what we ask.

ALL THAT THRILLS MY SOUL
All that thrills my soul is Jesus,
Ev’ry day and ev’ry hour;
Jesus and His free salvation,
Jesus and His mighty pow’r.

Refrain:
All that thrills my soul is Jesus;
He is more than life to me;
And the fairest of ten-thousand,
In my blessed Lord I see.

His is love beyond all knowledge,
His is grace beyond degree,
Mercy higher than the heaven,
Deeper than the deepest sea. [Refrain]

Ev’ry need His hand supplieth,
Ev’ry good in Him I see;
And the strength He gives His weak ones
Is sufficient unto me. [Refrain]

In yon everlasting city
With the ransomed I will sing,
And forever and forever,
Praise and glorify the King. [Refrain]

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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