Day 12: God is the KING OF KINGS – 25 February 2020

In the hospital room, Marelize Badenhorst’s heart was racing. She and her husband, Karel had to trust God again for a miracle – the same God that gave them a baby when doctors only gave them a 15% chance to fall pregnant. Not only did they conceive after years of prayer; they also had twins after that. This time Marelize was 34 weeks pregnant with their fourth son, Christiaan. She was taken into hospital to try and stop the premature contractions. With this, a non-malignant tumor grew with her unborn baby. The risk was huge.

Marelize: “For 8 days, I was hospitalized. All I could do was pray and read the Bible. I was constantly aware of God’s presence with me. Many people came to visit me. Because I was mostly lying on my left side, most of them would sit at my feet on the mattress of my bed. My mom regularly sat there rubbing my feet.

The morning before the C-section had to be done, I woke up early. Strangely, I had a feeling that a difficult time was ahead of us. I prayed softly and asked God for comfort. I wanted to know that He was with me. There was no one in my room, but suddenly I clearly felt Someone sitting on my bed – exactly where all my guests sat. God’s presence filled my room. I knew He was with me. All I could say was, ‘Thank you Lord.’

I was pushed into the theater. My spinal block didn’t work and I had to get full anesthesia. Christiaan inhaled amniotic fluid at birth. His lungs fell flat and he had to get oxygen. By late that afternoon, his organs began failing and he had to be transferred to another hospital’s neonatal emergency unit. That night the doctors had to fight for my child’s life.

While my youngest was connected to pipes and monitors, my oldest, who was 5 years old, also showed up at the hospital. He broke both his arms after jumping from a closet. This was an extremely difficult time for my family and I. Yet, amidst all this, I experienced a supernatural peace in my heart. I knew that God was in control. With His visit in hospital, He strengthened my faith to stand firm in the time ahead.

Yesterday, Christiaan turned 5 years. When I look at this blue-eyed blonde-haired boy today, I realize that God is truly the King of Kings. He is and always has been our anchor. He carries us and fills us with peace in the most difficult seasons of our lives. All glory goes to Him.”

Marelize is right. God is the King OF KINGS. In Philippians 4: 6-7 we read: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Also in 2 Corinthians 12: 9 God says: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

May we find our peace and strength in God in every storm of life. He never changes. God bless.

Father God, thank you for carrying me through every storm. Fill me with calmness today and help me keep my eyes on You. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen