When Caeleb came into the world, there were some concerns regarding breathing due to a few complications during pregnancy. Cazandra developed gestational diabetes, and further medical issues increased the chances of health risks for the baby. To protect both mom and child, her obstetrician suggested hospitalization. Both Caz and I were a little frightened, but we trusted our medical team. The dedicated staff of doctors and nurses kept my wife’s best interest in mind.
One night, while I visited the hospital, Cazandra’s water broke and just like that, she faced surgery. We knew that “MacDonald the Younger” would be delivered by C-section. While we waited for final instructions, a nurse came into the room and told us that Caeleb had a very strong chance of needing assistance breathing when he made his entrance. The doctor would most likely deliver the baby and take him out of the room to help him breathe.
I felt a surge of nervousness run through me. What did the nurse mean? Problems with breathing? As my fear began to seep into my bones, I glanced over at an open Bible that my wife placed on her tray table. Doing a quick scan of the open page, my eye caught a verse that made me freeze in place. “But I’ll bring my servant Caleb into the land that he explored, and his descendants will possess it because he has a different spirit, and he has remained true to me” (Num. 14:24 CEB). The room seemed to fill with the presence of God, as I knew that he would be fine. When the medical assistants took me to see him, they told me that he did not require one breathing treatment. Somehow, I knew before this process all started that God left me the gift of His word so that I would remember perfect assurance.
I had no clue that our medical future would take us down many roads. Sometimes we could not see one foot in front of us. In moments of weakness, I think of the beautiful text from the Book of Numbers, and realize that our amazing God gives us what we need, when we need it. I sought reassurance, and He led me to faith.
My prayers for this week include remembering, and giving thanks, that God blesses me with a light that transcends all of our difficulties. Faith replaces doubt, and hope casts out fear. So, in the middle of all the laws and instructions regarding the building of the tabernacle, there are hidden nuggets to remind us of God’s providence. And all that the Holy One requires is trust in divine leadership, piercing the darkest of places.
From a Pastor's Point of View 