Wednesday of Week Four
A Blanket of Peace
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,
the conviction of things not seen.” —Hebrews 11:1
We had already lost our first daughter, Rachel, and when Blake was born, he was not breathing. Although the doctors got his heart started again, they knew something was wrong. He was struggling to breathe, and they did not know why. I should have been a nervous wreck given our history and knowing the general fragility of a newborn baby. However, I do not know how, but I had this overwhelming sense of calm and assurance. It could only have come from God. I remember constantly praying to God for Blake’s recovery. For some reason, I just felt reassured that he was going to be okay.
The next ten days were a roller coaster of progress and major backslides. Blake even turned a little blue the day before the doctors finally realized he had a major heart condition and needed heart surgery. Again, through all of this, it was as if God laid his hands on me providing the calm and reassurance that Blake was going to be just fine. And now, 21 years later, my beautiful, precious boy is healthy and perfect! What a blessing!
The opposite of all of this happened when I was holding Rachel after she was stillborn and continued to pray to God that He would raise her from the dead like he had done so many times in the Bible. I just kept praying and praying, and I totally believed that Jesus would bring her back to life. I was absolutely devastated when it did not happen.
I tell you this to explain why I should not have felt peace, hope, assurance, or calm when we almost lost Blake. But for some unfathomable reason, I did, and I know it is only because of God. I am so thankful He healed Blake, and gave us the faith to believe in miracles. Blake is our miracle.
Author: Jennifer Goodman
Personal Reflection:
Was there a time in your life you had every right to be fearful and untrusting of God, but He showed up far more powerful than your fear?
Daily Action:
Encourage someone who is challenged by fear. Remind them of God’s faithfulness and hope. Share a time when you saw Him work in your life through fearful times.
