Sneak Preview: Unveiling the Preface of 'Beyond Belief'

As promised, here is a sneak peek of the Preface of Beyond Belief.

Preface

My life ended momentarily on Friday, June 19, 2020. Two days prior to that fateful moment, I had broken my back in a devastating UTV rollover accident, thrusting me into a state of immobility as I and my family grappled with the looming threat of permanent paralysis. Restrained in a bid to safeguard my future mobility and prepare for the impending surgery, my world was forever altered. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a profound transformation—one that would forever alter my perspective on faith, love, prayer, and the miracles that surround us.

As I lay on the operating table, prepared for the surgery to repair my broken back, fate took an unexpected turn. A massive pulmonary embolism took my life. I coded in the midst of a surgical team hand-selected for a lengthy spinal surgery, ill-prepared for a foot long blood clot lodged in my lungs. But against all odds when every second counted, a series of miracles unfolded, granting me a second chance at life. I was granted a glimpse into the realms beyond, a near-death experience that shook me to the core and revealed the pivotal truth that awaited me.

Fast forward a short eighteen months later, when the world was plunged into the relentless grip of the COVID pandemic. Amid this global turmoil, I became a warrior in my own battle, wrestling with pneumonia that mercilessly robbed me of every precious breath. For an excruciating 74 days, my life teetered on the edge as I clung to a ventilator, embracing hope in the face of unimaginable adversity. The battle was arduous, filled with a series of setbacks that included multiple strokes, a pneumothorax, kidney failure, and septic shock. Despite the doctors believing my time was running out and my family being summoned on three separate occasions to say their final goodbyes, the unwavering trust in God’s will led them to sign a DNR, accepting that whether He took me to be with Him or healed me from certain death, His plan would prevail. And once again, miracles defied the odds, pulling me back from the brink of death and granting me a chance to continue this extraordinary journey.

“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble!”

James 2:19 (NKJV)

Amidst these life-altering moments, I was blessed with extraordinary encounters, captivating visions, and indelibly vivid dreams that remain etched in my soul. I stood on the precipice of attending my own viewing, caught fleeting glimpses of heaven, and felt the undeniable presence of the divine. In those defining moments and throughout the arduous journey of recovery that followed, the immense force of belief beyond the demons emerged, revealing a power that surpasses mere existence and unveils a remarkable path towards everlasting significance. It is a transformative power that defies the limits of our earthly constraints and beckons us towards a destiny of eternal purpose.

But this book is not just about the extraordinary events surrounding those life-altering moments. It is a journey traversing the varied landscapes of my life—a journey that began in a small Oklahoma town, meandering through the hills and valleys of childhood, winding its way through the challenges of college and professional life, and shaping me into a husband, father, and grandfather. It’s a story where paths of success crisscross with trails of struggle, as I navigated the rocky terrain of pride and learned the importance of humility and surrender.

Above all, Beyond Belief is a testament to the power of faith, love, trust, and the unyielding force of prayer. It is an invitation for every reader, regardless of their beliefs, to join me in exploring the depths of our existence, the brevity of life, and the ultimate question of what lies beyond.

If you harbor doubts or skepticism, or if you’ve ever felt disconnected from the notion of faith in God, I wholeheartedly encourage you to embrace the stirring discomfort that this book may awaken within you. Allow it to be a significant catalyst for deep reflection, introspection, and a relentless pursuit of truth. Embrace this journey with an open mind as it challenges your assumptions and provocatively stirs your thoughts. This book is an invitation to a transformative experience, one that acknowledges your doubts as essential steps towards gaining a deeper understanding of faith, meaning, and purpose.

To those who find themselves in the heart of their spiritual journey, believing in God but perhaps unaware of the depth of trust required, this book is an offering of hope. It is an invitation to go beyond a surface-level faith and embrace the profound truth that true belief in Christ Jesus entails an accountable and unwavering relationship. Let us remember that even the demons believe, yet it is in the intimate surrender of trust that our faith becomes transformative. May these pages ignite within you a recognition that trust is an essential element in the narrow path of salvation. Open your heart to the love, grace, and second chances that our Creator abundantly bestows, and embark on a journey of faith where genuine trust in Him becomes the cornerstone of your walk.

For those who have placed their trust in Jesus, this book celebrates not only the countless miracles that envelop us daily, but also serves as a guide to deepening that trust. It emphasizes the journey of becoming 'Reliably His,' a term I use to describe a reciprocal relationship with Christ, where we grow more reliant upon Him while simultaneously becoming reliable for Him. This concept underscores the mutual commitment and active participation that defines a truly vibrant and living faith. It offers insights into fostering an even deeper connection with Christ, highlighting ways to nurture and strengthen our relationship with Him.

This book serves as a stirring reminder of God’s ceaseless presence, working through enigmatic means to shape the very fabric of our lives. It beckons us to embrace a perspective of awe, encouraging us to open our eyes and hearts wide, as we discover the abundant wonders that await our exploration. In moments of uncertainty, find comfort in the knowledge that Jesus holds dominion over every breath we breathe, assuring us of His unwavering presence and steadfast care, even when doubts attempt to overshadow His providence. For those on this journey of faith, this book is a companion in perseverance, encouraging you to endure steadfastly until the very end, for the prize that awaits is also, beyond belief.

Dear reader, our time on this temporary earth is fleeting, a transient journey where life can vanish in an instant, urging us to contemplate the mysteries beyond mortality. It was in the wake of such profound experiences and clear direction from the Holy Spirit that I was compelled to write this book. More than just a narrative of miracles and trials, it’s a heartfelt plea for you to explore the depths of faith and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. This journey, detailed within these pages, is one towards a special place that lies beyond the narrow gate, a gate leading to life everlasting.

I invite you, with every word in this book, to join me on this path. It’s a path filled with hope and assurance, starkly contrasting the bleakness of a life without such promise. Beyond Belief is not just a call to ponder, but a call to action – to walk with me through the miracles, to recognize the transformative power of a relationship with Christ Jesus, and to delve into the truths that extend far beyond our earthly existence. Let this book be a guide that lights your way, offering insights and reflections that enhance and align with the timeless wisdom of the Bible. Together, let us embark on this journey, guided by the Holy Spirit, towards a life enriched with faith and graced with eternal purpose.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Michael Peerson