Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

Earlier today our sixth grandchild came into the world.

He has a rare genetic condition.

We have no idea yet what all the complications are.

He is awaiting testing in a neo natal intensive care unit.

The thought came when I first heard there were some concerns...

"when all you can do is trust God".

Soon after in the early morning hours the scripture verse came...

Should we accept only good things from the hand of God, and never anything bad? Job 2:10

My wife, working overnight, got the same verse.

It's been a roller coaster of emotions today.

Clinging to words of hope only to have them shaken.

I've seen the pictures of children with this disease...very disturbing.

Interestingly our grandson's name means "young warrior" or "young fighter."

I believe he's fighting.

We have to fight with him and for him.

That God will bless this little life that He has given... while he's with us.

Also praying for wisdom for his parents and the medical people.

Do you suppose this has caught God by surprise?

I love the story of David...

The Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill.

David pleaded with God for the child.

He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground.

The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them.

On the seventh day the child died.

David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought,

"While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us.

How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate."

David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead.

"Is the child dead?" he asked.

"Yes," they replied, "he is dead."

Then David got up from the ground.

After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.

Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.

His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way?

While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!"

He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows?

The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.'

But now that he is dead, why should I fast?

Can I bring him back again?

I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 2 Samuel 12:15-23