Do You have Faith in Miracles?
It’s a faith question that sparks reflection, awe, and sometimes even skepticism: Do you believe in miracles? For Tom Longenecker, the answer is a resounding yes. His story is one of quiet perseverance, deep faith, and what some would undoubtedly call divine intervention.
A Hunting Trip and a Warning Sign
In November 2021, Tom Longenecker was in Texas on a hog hunting trip—something he loved. But something felt off. While he didn’t experience any chest pain, he found himself constantly out of breath, needing to stop and rest. It wasn’t painful, just an exhausting nuisance that couldn’t be ignored.
He returned home from the trip satisfied with the hunt, but by Christmas night, his breathing difficulties had worsened significantly. He ended up in the local emergency room, where he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to the hospital.
The next morning, the ER doctor didn’t mince words. “Your lungs look like crap,” he told Tom. “You’ve got a serious problem—you need to see your physician.”
A Long Road of Tests and Diagnosis
From that moment on, Tom embarked on a challenging journey filled with medical tests and uncertainty. By April, he was referred to the Mayo Clinic, where he underwent a battery of additional tests—so many, in fact, that he joked about his “blood light” coming on like a dashboard warning.
Eventually, he met with a pulmonary specialist who gave him the difficult diagnosis: interstitial lung disease, a progressive and often serious condition. On April 25, 2022, the diagnosis was officially confirmed.
Over the following months—June, July, and beyond—Tom continued with further evaluations. But then something extraordinary happened.
A Message in the Silence
One Sunday in September, Tom was sitting quietly in church before the service began. Alone and in contemplation, he suddenly heard a voice—clear and unmistakable—say, “I got this.”
Looking around and seeing no one nearby, he was momentarily confused. But those simple words stayed with him.
A Stunning Revelation
Fast forward to October 2022. Tom returned to Mayo Clinic for follow-up tests. After reviewing the results, his assigned pulmonary doctor delivered news that was nothing short of astonishing.
“I’ve been doing this for 40 years,” the doctor said, “and I’ve only seen a few of these cases.”
The doctor explained that while Tom’s diagnosis was still present, it had become remarkably stable—in fact, the disease had stopped progressing.
When Tom asked if this was a “God thing,” the doctor leaned back and replied, “It sure as heck ain’t me. I haven’t done anything.”
Living Proof
Today, Tom lives with minimal symptoms. He’s off medication, and recent scans have even shown slight improvements in some areas of his lung function.
“Does Jesus heal today?” Tom asked. “I certainly believe our God still heals. He’s not limited by a timeframe. I haven’t seen anywhere in the scriptures that says He doesn’t heal anymore. In the Book of Matthew alone, Jesus healed 23 people.”
Looking Ahead
Tom has recently been invited to participate in an international clinical trial—another step in what he sees as a miraculous journey. He’s also looking forward to something much simpler but no less meaningful: fishing trips and quality time with friends he’s missed all summer long.
Miracle or Coincidence?
So, what do you think? Is Tom Longenecker a walking miracle—or was this just a coincidence?
From all of us here at The Edge: whatever you believe, we wish you a fantastic fishing season. We’ll see you on the water.
