This story is a powerful testimony of childlike faith in hard times. As a father and pastor, I’ve seen my daughter Anne Bernice face unimaginable medical challenges—heart surgery, countless IVs, and hospital stays that would overwhelm most adults. And yet, through it all, her peace never wavered. In our family devotion, one simple sentence from her reminded me that God is near—even in the hardest places.
“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” — Ephesians 3:16–17 (NIV)
A Father’s Perspective: Prayer, Peace, and God’s Presence
There’s a kind of peace that makes no sense—especially in a hospital room.
As a father, I’ve stood beside my daughter Anne Bernice more times than I can count. We’ve waited through surgeries, endured difficult diagnoses, and prayed through IV insertions and open-heart procedures. Anne was born with congenital heart defects, and she has been through more than most adults ever will.
But somehow… she is never afraid.
What Childlike Faith in Hard Times Really Lookslike.
The Moment That Changed Me
One evening, during our family devotion, we read Ephesians 3:16–17 and talked about what it means for Christ to live in us and give us strength.
Then Anne said something that stopped me in my tracks:
“Daddy, when they put the IV on me, God always holds my shoulder. That’s why I’m never scared at all.”
I had to hold back tears. I asked her, “Do you pray for that kind of peace each time we go to the hospital?”
She nodded.
“Yes. And every time you and Mommy pray for me, I see angels surrounding me.”
She paused for a moment and then added:
“Every surgery I had, I was always calm. I never cried—even after blood works or my open-heart surgery. I always felt God with me.”
Peace in the Presence
That moment wasn’t just sweet—it was sacred.
Anne’s calmness. Her quick recovery. Her unwavering peace. These weren’t coincidences. They were answers to prayer. They were evidence that God truly moves when we pray.
“She didn’t just survive the hospital. She met God there.”
Reflection: What About You?
When was the last time you truly believed that God was with you?
In your pain? In your waiting? In your child’s suffering?
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to trust the One who holds you. If a little girl can trust Jesus in an operating room, you can trust Him with your battle too.
When Heaven Responds: Peace in the Operating Room
Anne’s calm spirit in the face of surgery wasn’t just strength—it was childlike faith in hard times. She believed God was with her, and that belief gave her peace. What if we trusted like that, too? When Christ dwells in our hearts, fear loses its grip. May her story remind you that even in your own hardest moments, Heaven still responds when we pray.
A Prayer for Today
Lord, thank You for the peace that passes understanding. Remind me that You are near—not just in quiet places, but even in the hardest ones. Strengthen me by Your Spirit so that fear loses its grip and faith rises up. Amen.
📌 Takeaway
“When we pray, Heaven responds. When we believe, angels are dispatched. And when Christ dwells in our hearts, fear loses its power.”
Call to Action (CTA)
💬 Was your heart moved by this testimony? If Anne’s story of childlike faith in hard times reminded you that God is near, share this post with someone who needs encouragement today. Whether they’re facing illness, waiting for answers, or simply struggling to believe—your share could help restore their hope.
🙏 Leave a comment or prayer request below. Let’s pray for one another and believe that when we pray, Heaven responds.
About the Author Pastor Reynante M. Trinidad is the founder of Faith + Care Life Ministries and serves as a pastor at Living Faith Christian Church of Porac. He has a heart for encouraging families, strengthening faith through prayer, and proclaiming God’s healing power through real-life testimonies. Pastor Reynante also shares devotionals and teachings that help people experience God’s presence in their everyday struggles.
📬 For more stories and encouragement, visitfaithandcarelife.comor follow us on Facebook @faithandcarelife
