Will My Baby Live?
by Susan Harris
When my sisters were toddler and baby respectively, the baby, who was generally contented, was crying one afternoon. The toddler decided to help out. Our mom had made fresh lemonade and the lemon halves were lying on the kitchen counter. The toddler forced the lemon into the drinking bottle, added some water and screwed the cap in place, then offered it to her sister. In a tone that imitated our mom she said, “Here darling, don’t cry.”
This illustration exemplifies how babies can help babies.
And Friend, you can make a difference in spite of your age, experience or credentials.
We use the term ‘baby’ loosely to refer to pet projects or dreams. And when those goals are not achieved the metaphor is made to a ‘baby dying.’
If this is your situation, I’d like to encourage you from Hagar’s experience. In Genesis 21:9-20, Hagar and her young son, Ishmael, are banished to the desert because Sarah and Hagar are in conflict. Predictably, the food and water runs out. And in the scorching heat of the sun the child cries because he is thirsty. Ishmael lies on the desert sand, dying. And Hagar likely wishes for death too.
Friend, your baby, or another person’s baby, may be in the balance. You’ve probably exhausted your time, your prayers and resources, and you are dispirited.
Hold on. There is a good ending.
As Hagar despairs the angel of God calls from heaven. “What’s the matter, Hagar? God has heard the boy crying.”
The name Ishmael means ‘God hears.’ Divinely named before crisis arose.
The Lord advises the broken Hagar to help her baby live with a specific instruction. And a promise. “Lift him up by the hand for I will make him a great nation.” When she opens her eyes there is a well of water ….a well that was not been there before.
There are seven symbols for the Holy Spirit the Bible:
water, fire, cloud, oil, light, seal, and dove.
Jehovah Jireh stepped in. The El Shaddai gave Hagar a promise in His own voice that her son, carded for death, would live and become great.
And Friend, your baby will live too. Your dream, your ministry will bear mighty fruit.
For God knew you by name before the crisis came.
Have you asked, “Lord, how can I carry others when I myself want to be carried?”
Dear one, babies can carry other babies. You can do it. God wants to revive you with His refreshing presence. His word reminds you that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling
Ye who are weary, come….
The gentle voice of Jesus is calling you so He can re-energize your spirit. The gentle voice of Jesus is calling you so He can affirm your worth. The gentle voice of Jesus is calling you so He can tell you how mighty you will become.
Babies can help babies. And babies will live.
Tweetables:
You can make a difference in spite of your age, experience or credentials.
For God knew you by name before the crisis came.
The gentle voice of Jesus is calling you so He can re-energize your spirit.
(Excerpt from Golden Apples in Silver Settings by Susan Harris. Ch 11 – Sweet and Refreshing)
Susan Harris
Susan is a speaker, wife, mother, and former teacher. Prayer is her passion, and except for salvation, it is the subject on which she has spoken most frequently over 20 years of Christian ministry. She is also the author of three books – Little Copper Pennies for Kids, Little Copper Pennies: Celebrating the Life of the Canadian one cent piece (for adults) and Golden Apples in Silver Settings. She loves kittens, pennies, and making new friends. Find her at www.susanharris.ca, on Facebook at SusanHarrisCanadianAuthor, and on Twitter @SusanHarris20.
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Thanks Susan for this lovely encouraging meditation.
And thank you Jan for sharing Susan’s gift.
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That you found it helpful is refreshing to me, Peter. Thanks for taking the time to pass on your kind words.