Could Hollywood Compete With This Story?

Could Hollywood Compete With This Story?

 
The Church spent the day in fasting and prayer.  Lydia was fading quickly at her tender age.  Only 9 and the cancer was devouring her liver.  Anxiously we awaited a report.  Her Parents camped by her bedside, fearing the worst, but praying for healing.  “God can bring a Miracle,” her mom, Naomi said.

Years before Lydia was born the doctors said that Naomi herself wasn’t strong enough to bear a child.  In spite of their concern Naomi had indeed carried Lydia to full term.  Better yet Naomi was expecting her second child in two more months.  Now she would have a family of four.  But in the hospital Lydia’s health wasn’t improving and the doctor couldn’t do anymore.

Two weeks went by.  Then another.  Then sweet Lydia lost her battle.  As her frail lifeless body lay in front of her, Mom wept deeply.  She couldn’t stop.  Her anguish was shaking her whole body.  She groaned.  She was distraught. No one could comfort her.

The pain began.  She felt nauseous.  More pain.  Increasing pressure and discomfort.  A nurse called for the doctor to come quickly.  He said, “She’s having contractions we must rush her to maternity.”   Then Naomi passed out.

When she awakened she sleepily looked around the room.  It was a two-patient ward.  She called out for a nurse.  “What has happened?” she asked the nurse.  “You went into labor...and now you are recovering.”

“Well, where’s my baby?  I want to hold…” Then Naomi froze as she read the nurse’s tear-stained face.  “I’m so sorry Honey but your baby was... stillborn.”

At the Church we heard the devastating news.  Not only had Lydia passed away but Naomi’s second child didn’t survive.  I ached in my soul.  Crying filled the sanctuary.  Some doubted their faith.

One even said, “How could a loving God let this happen?”  But our Minister asked us to pray for Mom’s health.  “This is a jolt to her whole being.  I’m going to go see her now and pray with her.”

The Minister pondered what he should say to Mom.  He knew she would be horribly crushed.  Entering her ward he saw her lying there so pale.  So exhausted.  So feeble looking.

Gently he came to her side and held her hand as he prayed that the Lord would heal, not only her body, but her heart and soul also.

When he left she turned to the wall and silently wept.  The tears kept coming and she almost didn’t feel the hand on her shoulder.  She slowly turned and saw the other patient at her side.

Forever afterward she will never forget a single word: “Dear you can have my little baby...we’ve got a house full of children already.  You raise him as your own.”

A dozen years later Naomi brought her son to the church camp I managed.  When Naomi began to leave I watched her give him a big hug and kiss.  I couldn’t stop praising the Lord for this miracle that even Hollywood couldn’t have scripted.

“His kindness lasts for a lifetime.  Crying may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning… You changed my sorrow into dancing. Y ou took away my clothes of sadness, and clothed me in happiness.  I will sing to you and not be silent. Lord, my God, I will praise you forever.”  Ps. 30:5b,11,12 (NCV)

As the poet wrote and Mercy Me movingly sings:

Please comment by

clicking "Comments" below.