logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2019
24m 49s

Trusting the God of Miracles: the Real-L...

Jesus Calling
About this episode

Today we hear the miraculous true story of one mother’s belief in the power of prayer that not only brought her son back to life, but continues to inspire people around the world in a new inspirational movie called Breakthrough, starring Chrissy Metz from NBC’s This Is Us. On a cold winter’s day in Missouri, John Smith was a 14-year-old boy playing on a frozen lake with two of his best friends. But a carefree day soon grew dire as the ice gave way and boys fell into the lake. While John’s friends were able to escape, John remained underwater for fifteen minutes. And by the time he was pulled out by first responders, he didn’t have a pulse. John’s mother Joyce was summoned to the hospital, and when she saw her son’s lifeless body on the hospital bed, she turned to God for a miracle. Later, we hear how the Smiths’ story traveled from a Missouri hospital room to a Hollywood studio, and how the cast and crew of Breakthrough were able to see God’s hand throughout the creation of the film.

 

Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:

Breakthrough” movie

Breakthrough” book

 

Beth Moore’s “Believing God”

Miracles from Heaven” movie

NBC’s “This Is Us”

 

Interview Quotes:

“I had drowned and was underwater for 15 minutes.” - John Smith

“I lay lifeless. They did everything medically, scientifically that they could do.” - John Smith

"I believe God is who He says He is. I believe God can do what He says He can do. And I believe in God." - Joyce Smith

“Anybody would be [upset] when they tell you that you know they've just pulled your son out of the lake and he doesn't have a heartbeat. . . . But my first go-to was God to pray. That was what I had been prepared to do over the weeks beforehand.” - Joyce Smith

“[God], You say we can come to You with the things going on in our lives, and You're there to be faithful to us and answer our prayers." - Joyce Smith

“Holy Spirit, please come and bring me back my son." - Joyce Smith

“When [Mom] prayed, something so powerful rushed up my body that it pushed three nurses searching for a pulse physically back, and they can't explain it.” - John Smith

“Because God is omnipotent, and we are created in His image, our words have potency to them, they have power.” - Joyce Smith

________________________

Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:

Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0

Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O

________________________

 

Connect with Jesus Calling

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

YouTube

Jesus Calling Website

 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Up next
Jul 3
Faith That Takes Us Beyond the Ordinary: Jared Orton & Rachel G. Jordan
This week, as we celebrate the spirit of independence, we’re spotlighting a uniquely American story. Jared Orton, president of the Savannah Bananas baseball team, joins us to reflect on a journey that started with just a few season tickets, no logo, and a wild idea. From humble b ... Show More
28m 36s
Jun 26
Rising Up From Our Lowest Moments: Benjamin Hall & Chris Janssen
*This episode contains mature content. This week, we’ll hear from war correspondent Benjamin Hall, who has spent much of his career reporting from some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. In 2022, while covering the war in Ukraine, he was gravely injured in an attack th ... Show More
29m 14s
Jun 24
[JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] Prayers for When You’re Full of Questions & Doubt: Quina Aragon
On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’re joined by author, editor, and spoken word artist Quina Aragon. Quina shares her passion for helping others see themselves and their story within the pages of the Bible—being willing to engage even with our dark, painful, ... Show More
10m 58s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2024
The First Miracle - The Gospels
In this Bible Story, Jesus performs the first of many miracles at a wedding in Cana. By the request of his mother, Jesus blesses a wedding by turning water into wine. Although the guests are not aware of this miracle, the servants and disciples know, and awe at the humble power o ... Show More
15m 27s
Jan 2025
# 361: Elisha and the Boy Who Sneezed Back to Life - Elisha part 6
 2 Kings 4:18-37 & John 9:1-3 In today’s episode, we continue our exciting Elisha series with the incredible story of how God used Elisha to bring a boy back to life! We’ll pick up where we left off: the boy grew up strong and healthy, but one day, tragedy struck. What followed w ... Show More
12m 59s
Jun 2024
Everyday Miracles - The Book of 2 Kings
In this Bible Story, we witness the everyday miracles of Elisha. He tended to the flock of God with care and love, and Elisha’s reputation as a loving and gentle prophet gives the common people of Israel hope. This story is inspired by 2 Kings 4:1-4, 4:38-44, & 6:1-7. Go to Bible ... Show More
15m 48s
Sep 2024
Healing at the Pool - The Gospels
In this Bible Story, Jesus heals a man who has been lame and sick for over 38 years. The man had been sick for so long, that he lost all hope of being healed. Feeling helpless, alone, and angry at the world, Jesus changes his life forever, and the Pharisees continue to hate him f ... Show More
14m 40s
Sep 2024
A Beautiful Transfiguration - The Gospels
In this Bible Story, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain. There he reveals a part of his glory. He is transfigured before them, and a blinding light emanates from his very body. Beside him are Moses and Elijah, two of the greatest figures in human history. However, t ... Show More
13m 20s
Oct 2024
Lazarus - The Gospels
In this Bible Story, the sting of death is thwarted when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. With tears in his eyes and a booming voice, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb and back to life. This story is inspired by John 11:1-53 & 12:9-11. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bi ... Show More
16m 49s
Oct 2024
The Resurrection - The Gospels
In this Bible Story, the tomb that contained the beaten body of Jesus is rolled open by the power of God. Jesus, the Savior of the World, rose from the tomb to prove that death had no power over him. Death is defeated as Jesus walks in the resurrection. Jesus appears to the two M ... Show More
14m 8s
Oct 2024
Do You Love Me? - The Gospels
In this Bible Story, Jesus restores the faith of Thomas and the failures of Peter. As these two men come in contact with the risen Lord, their lives are renewed and filled with purpose. This story is inspired by John 20:24-21:19. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Ye ... Show More
16m 22s
May 23
A Prayer to Praise God When He Opens a Door He Once Shut
Today’s episode is a beautiful reminder that a “no” from God is never the end of the story—it may just be a “not yet.” Chelsey DeMatteis shares a powerful testimony of how God brought full-circle redemption to a door that was once closed. As we look to Matthew 2 and reflect on Go ... Show More
7m 4s
Sep 2024
Walking on Water - The Gospels
In this Bible Story, Jesus feeds five thousand people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. The crowds want him to be made king, so Jesus departs before the crowd becomes violent. The disciples depart on a boat while Jesus stays on shore to pray. Then, in power and glory, ... Show More
19m 24s