Troublesome Times Are Here

My pregnant wife woke up with some fluid discharge that didn’t seem normal.  Thinking that it wasn’t anything to worry about, we simply shifted schedules that morning.  I took charge of our youngest while she dropped off our older two at school.  From there she visited her OBGYN.  Bad news—her water had broke at 29 weeks and a day.  From this point forward, our life was turned upside down.  In an instant, Christmas plans were canceled, schedules were altered, and fears were aroused.  She was immediately admitted to a nearby hospital and then transferred by ambulance to a hospital better equipped to care for premature births.  Since that time, she has been under the watchful care of doctors and nurses who have prepared her and our baby for an untimely birth.  That was a week ago.  Thankfully, the baby is still in mother's womb and seems to be doing fine.

That’s it.  That’s the story.  But, I left out one key aspect—the body of Christ.  During this time, our brothers and sisters have been loving us.  Some spoke truth into our lives.  Some showed us mercy.  Some helped us.  Some encouraged us.  Many, many have prayed for us.  Words cannot express my debt of gratitude for how my wife and I have been loved during our ordeal.  One member was hurting, and yet all of the members felt that hurt and responded.

Ephesians speaks of a knowledge of Christ’s love that can only be gained through experience—not simply gained intellectually.  I can truly say that I have gained a bit more of that experiential knowledge of Christ’s love in how He has supplied for our needs through His body.  A simple "Like" on Facebook, a little note saying that you are praying, a cooked meal, a shared truth from God's Word, a sacrifice of babysitting, a hug, and many other deeds speak volumes.

First, I want to say thanks to all of my brothers and sisters who have loved us in so many different ways.  Second, I want to say thanks to all of the body of Christ for your service to each other and to the world.  Last, I want to encourage you to exercise your Spiritual gifts in love for the common good of His body building up one another: praying, helping, encouraging, leading, speaking truth, showing mercy, and giving.  We serve a great Lord and Savior Who has so richly provided for all of our needs.

“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”