Being Still as You WaitSample

Let God Be God

Years ago, my son and his wife eagerly awaited their first child. Every day, as my daughter-in-law’s belly grew, I couldn’t help but wonder what being a grandmother would be like. I spoke to her belly, and I expected and believed that the baby would somehow, in some way, show me that he heard me or that maybe he would somehow remember me soon after being born if he heard my voice enough times.

I envisioned my husband and me being the best grandparents that had ever existed. It’s an understatement to say we were all super excited. It was much more than that—it was an expectation of new beginnings, restoration, family unity, God’s promises, the sweet scent of a newborn in the house, a baby's face snuggled into grandma’s neck as he soundly slept, and so much more. My heart was filled with so many expectations and a kind of love I had only dreamed of. How could I love someone that I had never met in this way? My daughter-in-law was healthy and taking great care of herself. Everything was going as expected.

One Sunday morning, just as every Sunday morning before, we headed to church really early. My daughter-in-law would be joining us for the second service at church. Unexpectedly, in the midst of praise & worship, my son received a phone call that I’m sure will haunt him forever...

At only 24 weeks pregnant, his wife was getting ready to step out of bed to get ready for church when her water broke, and she was suddenly immersed in premature labor... This was something you hear about but would never imagine happening.

I don’t remember much that occurred from the time my son told us about the call to the time we embarked on what seemed like the longest 8‑mile or 15‑minute drive to the hospital. I do remember praying with our pastors. As we left the service, I had driven to this hospital a dozen times, and somehow I can’t even remember arriving there this Sunday afternoon.

I wish that I could say that all I did on the way was pray and be positive, but, sincerely, that would not be completely true. We were all very nervous, and since I am a nurse and had worked in a Neonatal ICU before, I was letting thoughts of the worst-case scenarios run rampant in my mind. What if? What if? What if?...

Suddenly, my husband, in what sounded like a loud roar, yelled, “NO... not today, devil!!! You can’t hurt our family in any way today. This is not how it ends for our first grandbaby and his mom.”

My husband, being the strong man of God he is, encouraged me to take captive the thoughts that were running wild in my mind and said, “Stand strong in faith, remind yourself of all God’s goodness and the many times God has shown up with miracle‑working power.” He reminded me that “we knew a God that causes all things to be,” “that what He started, He only could finish,” and “He (God) is not done forming this little guy in his mommy’s womb yet, so let’s be still and let Him be God...” He (my husband) ordered us to speak only about life and to stay positive.

What comes out of us as we face fear determines how we react and overcome situations. We are called to be still and remind ourselves of God’s promises. We are instructed to speak to that fear straight in its face and say aloud, “NO, satan, you are not in control here.” Pray, and seek God’s presence. His presence brings peace, hope, and strength. Only in His presence can you be calm and be still. At just the right time, God Almighty will show up. We have to be strong and courageous as we wait.

If we are waiting on God, it only means He is not done with us or the situation yet, and that we have to do our part to get to the other side of the trial with God making a way. He has got you in the palms of His hands. He promises to cause all things to work together for good for those who love Him. He will never, ever, ever leave us alone to handle anything. Remind yourself and be able to be still as you wait.

Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good for those who love God.”

Proverbs 30:5 (NLT) – Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection.

2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for helping me speak only life into every situation that I face. May every word I speak bring peace and encouragement to all around me. Thank you, God, for your great presence and that your hands are holding us up strong, protecting, encouraging, and leading us as we wait on you to move mightily. We know that you are in the midst of everything and that you are working all things out for our best. Thank you, all‑powerful God, that you control what doctors are in this case, that you bless every doctor, nurse, tech, and everyone else in this case with supernatural ability, and that you are leading them at every step. Thank you for helping me think only thoughts that agree with your promises, and may you lead, guide, and bless every decision we make. We speak supernatural life and restoration in Jesus Christ’s name.