Miracles Still Happen

I promised you a story.

This is not just any story, mind you. You are about to read a story of sorrow turned to joy. Mourning turned to dancing. Death into life.

photo by SL Photo

Azariah's story.

Our daughter, Steph and her husband, Adam happily learned of their pregnancy last October. They had fun revealing the news to family members. At Steph's birthday party, her friends who were already informed gave her a "present" to open. When she began pulling out crackers, Sprite, and ginger chews, I knew something was up. The baby was due to be born July 4, 2012.

Early in December, Steph, had flu-like symptoms and alittle cramping, so called her midwife, Cathy, who asked her to come in for a visit. She was nine weeks into the pregnancy.

It was a routine visit, so Steph went alone. They did a sonogram since Steph complained of mild cramps. The sonogram revealed what no one ever wants to hear.

The baby is much smaller than it should be. Your uterus is tipped, he could just be hiding. But, there is no heartbeat. I am sorry. I don't think we have a live baby here.

Cathy is a godly, compassionate woman and was able to minister to my daughter who heard the news without her husband at her side. She encouraged Steph with a we'll-wait-and-see kind of attitude. After all, there was no bleeding, mild cramps are not unusual and nine weeks is still early. They scheduled another sonogram for the following Thursday, the day before Cathy was to leave for a medical mission trip to Africa. She wanted to make sure Steph was okay before she left for two weeks.

Later that day, Steph called me with the report. Through tears, she shared the details. As I listened something like denial went through my system. Not denial that says this can't be happening to us. It was denial that says this doesn't match up with my belief system. I said as much to Steph.

"I don't know, Steph. This isn't settling in my spirit and it isn't what the Word promises us. We are not receiving this report."

Her dad encouraged her, as well, with words from the Bible and prayer. He prayed specifically for the baby to come to life. In their home, Adam and Steph went to the Lord and spoke words of life to that baby. We prayed and we waited.

A few days passed. Steph continued to "feel" pregnant. There was no bleeding. The day of the second sonogram arrived. Week ten of the pregnancy. Adam took work off to go with Steph.

Knowing the time of their appointment, I was watching the clock and expecting a call when my phone rang. Stephanie's happy voice on the other end rang out, "Houston, we have a baby!!"

Her words tumbled out. "The baby is three times bigger than it was last week! The heartbeat is fast and strong! Everything looks the way it should! The baby is alive!"

Photo by SL Photo

Needless to say, there was much rejoicing as this excellent report made its way to the rest of the family and friends. The remainder of Steph's pregnancy was normal and Azariah Luke was born just before sunset July 7, 2012. His name means "he whom God helps."

Photo by SL Photo

As I share Azariah's story I am acutely aware that many of you who read this have mourned the loss of a precious baby. You've heard all the platitudes, asked the hard questions and got no answers. It could have just as easily been our family, too.

In the dark hours before we had confirmation the baby was alright our thoughts were focused on the promises and goodness of God. I know full well that even if the worst had happened, we would have been comforted by the Lord Who is always good and never changes.

O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God, don't forget a single blessing!
He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.
Psalm 103:1-5 MSG

As the song says, "whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes." There are more reasons to thank God than can be counted. The one who chooses gratitude for everything God has done in the face of great difficulty is the one who opens the door for His comfort.

Photo by SL Photo

Bless the Lord. 

Bless His holy name forever.