In my last post I mentioned that my wife would undergo a C-Section this coming Wednesday and my twin boys would thereby enter this world. I also mentioned that they would be entering a vicious world in which the Fall has effected everything.
Well, the Fall has made child birth painful (Gen 3:16) in more ways than one. One of those ways is, no doubt, the pain of seeing a premature baby(ies) away from Mom and Dad in the NICU. Both of our boys took up residence in the NICU this week. Now one is out of the unit. Brother is still in.
My wife works as a nurse in the unit where our boys have been spending their first days. Her worst nightmares come out of the NICU. She has seen parents blindsided by the very worst of situations when they were expecting the best.
That which can comfort a parent in this situation more than anything is the biblical teaching that God is in absolute control. That doesn't mean that things will always go well in the NICU. But that means that a God who is all-good, all-wise, all-knowing, long-suffering, and compassionate is in absolute control of everything that ever happens no matter what. Sometimes God doesn't reveal why he ordains what he does (see Job) but tests and strengthens our faith in his character. Sometimes he disciplines us (Heb 12:5ff). Sometimes he gives us the ability to comfort others who will go through the same thing (2Cor 1:3-4). Sometimes he increases our joy through suffering (James 1:2). Whatever his purpose might be, he works all things for the good of his people (Rom 8:28).
Well, the Fall has made child birth painful (Gen 3:16) in more ways than one. One of those ways is, no doubt, the pain of seeing a premature baby(ies) away from Mom and Dad in the NICU. Both of our boys took up residence in the NICU this week. Now one is out of the unit. Brother is still in.
My wife works as a nurse in the unit where our boys have been spending their first days. Her worst nightmares come out of the NICU. She has seen parents blindsided by the very worst of situations when they were expecting the best.
That which can comfort a parent in this situation more than anything is the biblical teaching that God is in absolute control. That doesn't mean that things will always go well in the NICU. But that means that a God who is all-good, all-wise, all-knowing, long-suffering, and compassionate is in absolute control of everything that ever happens no matter what. Sometimes God doesn't reveal why he ordains what he does (see Job) but tests and strengthens our faith in his character. Sometimes he disciplines us (Heb 12:5ff). Sometimes he gives us the ability to comfort others who will go through the same thing (2Cor 1:3-4). Sometimes he increases our joy through suffering (James 1:2). Whatever his purpose might be, he works all things for the good of his people (Rom 8:28).
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