On Sunday we celebrated Easter with our children and attended church with them at Whitehouse Baptist. Their Pastor, Bronson Clemons, had visited with Jason and Jill at the hospital earlier in the week to offer support, comfort and pray with them. During his sermon Pastor Bronson used their situation to illustrate Jesus suffering and resurrection.
He explained to the congregation that Jill had been in the hospital for 2 weeks in pre-term labor with a condition that jeopardized not only her health, but the life of their yet-to -be born daughter. Then on Tuesday when Jason was returning to the hospital after stepping out to get some food, he was involved in a serious auto accident. His car was totalled and although his injuries appeared to be minor, he was having chest pain and had to be transported to be checked out at the hospital.
Upon arrival the hospital staff began a series of scans and x-rays, and after a time the ER Dr. came in to bring the results. He told Jason that he did not appear to have any serious injuries from the accident, however, he did find some spots on his lungs. Jason was told that it looked very bad, that he probably had cancer, and that he should see a specialist right away.
"This had to be the very darkest hour for this young man, for his family", Pastor Bronson explained. Everything seemed hopeless and hanging in the balance, just as the crucifixion and death of Jesus was the darkest hour for His disciples and for all mankind.
Jason went to an appointment on Friday...the 3rd day... with a pulmonary specialist. It was in the same building where his wife was hospitalized, so he only had to leave her side for a short while to be seen by the doctor. He examined Jason and the films and reports. He said he couldn't imagine why they had told Jason he might have cancer... there was nothing wrong other than some bruising from the accident. He was fine, a very healthy young man! God had intervened in Jason's life just as he did in Jesus death!
Jason rushed back up to his wife's hospital room with the Good News... only to find Jill in labor and ready to deliver their child. In just a few hours Haley Elizabeth was born... early, but perfect! She came in at 5 lbs 12 oz and 19 inches long just short of 35 weeks of gestation. She was able to breathe on her own and is doing very well. She will stay in the NICU for a bit to receive some TLC, but is a beautiful, perfect baby. Jill was able to deliver naturally and is up and around, recovering quickly and caring for her new daughter.
They went from what was surely the darkest hour for this young family, to experiencing on the 3rd day what had to be a miraculous, glorious day of victory. They went from what seemed the possibility of losing everything, to gaining everything from the Hand of God. No cancer and the birth of their first child all in a few hours! How great is our God?!
But even more miraculous, even more glorious and victorious, when God intervened in the death of His Son, to bring Life to all of us. Giving each of us the opportunity to go from a life of darkness and hopelessness to living a victorious life eternally with Him! Thank you Lord for enduring the cross and what was undoubtedly man's darkest hour and then on the 3rd day turning it into your Final Victory. Hallelujah!
No comments:
Post a Comment