Not What I Expected

by Shelia Gaines

Verses for Thought:

A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. John 16:21 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33 (KJV)

The doctor spoke calmly to my oldest daughter, “I know you wanted to do the water birth,but I think there’s a little too much stress on the baby.  We need to go ahead and get him out of there.  Are you o.k. with that?” I suspect that my daughter’s quick agreement came more from the pain of labor than any resignation concerning water birth.

As soon as she received my daughter’s permission, the doctor’s calm manner was immediately replaced with medical emergency protocol.  She whipped a cell phone out of her pocket and spoke rapidly into it.  “I need you in here now!”  The nurse she spoke to was coming down the hall at a dead run even as the doctor closed her phone.  They moved the bed so fast they forgot to unplug the IV from the wall.  My oldest daughter was whisked off to surgery as my youngest daughter, my son-in-law and I stood there momentarily stunned into silence.
The next few minutes were difficult ones for us. We called family members and called on our faith.  Our prayers were answers and we saw a healthy baby boy minutes later.  Today’s verse for thought reminded me of the morning my grandson was born.  I was disappointed that my daughter had to experience an emergency C-section and my son-in-law experienced one of the most joyous events of his life in the midst of great danger to the most important person in his life.  However, that precious bundle of joy made it all worthwhile. What a blessing it is that even when circumstances overwhelm us, God stll blesses us with small miracles. 

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for being a loving God and for always doing what's best for us,even when we don't understand.  When things don’t go as expected, help me to turn to you and remember the promise from Romans 8:28 knowing that you have a purpose and will work things out for our good.  In the name of Jesus.   Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Read John 16 and Roman 8.  The next time you find yourself in adifficult situation, meditate on those things and remember that while trials and tribulations will undoubtedly come, you do not have to face them alone as long as you know the overcomer. Don’t make the mistake of allowing the cares of life to keep you from living.