There's a constant whirring - air flowing from the vents in the ceiling. A beeping down the hall, followed by running foot steps in the corridor. The baby in the room next door alternates between sleeping and screaming - the latter begging prayers from anyone who hears. The clock on the wall ticks away the seconds. And I am sitting here, grateful that for us, it is a countdown of 9 hours before we head home and resume life as usual. There's something about the flashing lights, hushed tones, and medicinal smells of a hospital that can induce discouragement and fear. When it's midnight in a children's hospital, those two emotions dance dangerously close - and seem inevitable. But instead of giving way to despair, I pace and pray. As guilt creeps up, whispering how we're the lucky ones --- I silence it with prayers. Only 9 hours now. So many among us this night do not have the comfort of that knowledge --- the reassurance of only waiting 9 more hours. Others would give anything to stretch that 9 hours into 9 days, or weeks, or months - knowing when they leave this place, their child will have gone to be with Jesus. Oh but there's Jesus. And so I pace and pray. Tonight, I am given the honor of interceding on behalf of our son, and every other child in this place. Tonight, I am given the privilege of coming before the Father for the hearts and souls of all the mothers and fathers sitting bedside watch this night. Tonight, at midnight, in a children's hospital, I am saying no to discouragement and fear, and giving way to the Spirit that breathes compassion, life, and joy. To those sitting in a children's hospital at midnight - you are not alone. You, and your precious child, are deeply loved by a Father who has not forgotten or abandoned you. I am sorry. I am sorry you are here with all the sights, sounds, and smells of this place - instead of safely tucked away in your beds at home. I am sorry for the pain, the cries, the unknowns. I am sorry your heart aches to comfort your child in ways beyond your control. To those sitting in a children's hospital at midnight - I am lifting you, and your precious child, up in prayer. I am asking God to shower His compassion and mercy and goodness on you even in this moment. I am pleading for grace and healing and peace. If you have a specific prayer request, please comment below - I'd be honored to pray specifically for you or a loved one! If you have a testimony of how God showed His faithfulness through your child's hospitalization, we would love to hear it!
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Thank you for this--this painting of such a vulnerable and scary place. I've had loved ones here, and intercessory prayer cannot be emphasized enough!! I have a prayer request...of a different kind...my boyfriend has been looking for a job for 6 months now. He has interviews all over and we just want him to be in the best place for him. Pray the Lords will be done. And for me to be patient in the mean time :) thank you!
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4/14/2017 09:54:36 am
I'm praying for you son and for you and your family in Jesus' name.
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Hi there!Here you will find the musings of a homeschooling, work from home, adoptive Momma of 6! Adventures in faith, family, adoption, and training up a tribe of little people to follow hard after Jesus are spilled into these posts --- most often written with a cup of coffee in hand. I hope you'll stick around a while and find something - more likely SOMEONE! - that brings you hope! get your copy of my book today!how i keep up!
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