“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV.
In Spring 2014, I went back to work full time after a year off for maternity leave.
I was excited to work again yet sad at the same time because I knew I would have to leave my son to a babysitter or day care center. But it was what it was: I have been away from my family for a number of years and independently living in a western country.
Nothing can compare to the joy to be found in motherhood, but one of the most scariest moments was going into labour on the same afternoon that we were moving into a new apartment.
At the time I was living in the small town of Jasper National Park, and needed to drive an hour to get to the hospital to give birth.
At the hospital, the Lord helped me to endure the pain gracefully although it felt unbearable.
The doctor recommended an epidural anesthetic to give me some rest and reserve strength for the baby’s safe delivery. I was startled to say the very least, when I saw the anaesthesiologist holding a huge needle. My heart was beating fast as I hate needles.
Then, the Spirit of the Lord brought me to remember Philippians 4:13 that led me to pray and keep reciting the verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
When the nurse came into my room, she benevolently rubbed my back just to ease the pain.
I discovered that she too was a Christian, and I felt an immediate peace. It was the perfect outpouring of the grace of God during one of my greatest times of need.
After twenty-four hours of labour, on Sunday June 2 at midnight, I gave birth to an adorable 7.5 pounds baby boy.
It was an exhausting moment mixed with an unexplainable feeling of joy. I couldn’t remember how I had endured the pain or overcame the fear of the needle, but one thing was certain: I had held God’s promises in the place of my fear.
The grace of God empowers us to do things through Christ alone, who works in us and through us (Romans 6:14).
When we are afraid, God’s grace is enough for us to overcome our fears and weaknesses. When we are in need, the grace of God is able to provide.
Sit back and live under the perfect grace of God, I did. Give God your weaknesses and He will give you His strength.
“But by the grace of I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10, NKJV.
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