Earlier this week, a very special person decided to make a grand entrance into the world. Rather than holding off until mid July when he was due to show up, he chose to crash his own party. Needless to say, the baby shower ended abruptly when his mama’s water broke. Under normal circumstances, family would be present for his birth. However, due to the Covid 19 virus, the hospital allowed no one but his parents to remain. What could the rest of us do but wait and pray?
Many other families find themselves in this same situation during this pandemic. At a time when our loved ones need us most, we’re unable to be at their side. As a mother who’s also a doctor, this was exceptionally frustrating for me. When my son called with the news that his wife was being rushed for an emergency C-section, I felt helpless. My arms longed to hold and comfort him but I was miles away. What could I possibly do to help at that moment? Then out of my mouth came the words, “Let’s pray.”
With our prayer, we called down power from heaven as the doctors worked. I texted other family members and my women’s Bible Study group to join with us. Even though, we couldn’t physically be in the operating room with mom and baby, God’s Spirit stood in for us in a mighty way. The hospital staff voices amazement at how great both of them have done since delivery. If all continues to go well, they’ll be home by tomorrow. Praise God!
In this age of skepticism, people often malign prayer as an excuse for passivity or for inaction. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Prayer is a lifeline to God’s power. It’s a direct connection to a network of angels and other believers and a catalyst for action. Nothing brings breakthrough like an unbroken chain of prayer. Unfortunately, people often reach for prayer as a last resort instead making it their first words in a crisis.
Lord, Jesus, may your name be the first words on my lips during periods of challenge as well as joy. Thank you for the miracle of new life and the blessing of grandchildren. Even within these times of stress, you surprise us with a sense of wonder and glee. Let us pray!
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know them full well.
Psalm 139:13-14
