Advent Devotional 1
God provides us gifts beyond anyone’s imagination. Two of those gifts which have taken a place of importance in my life are my faith and music.
Faith is really easy when life is moving along without any bumps in the road, but it is when the boulders fall in the road that our faith is tested. When that boulder falls, where do you go, what do you do? My first instinct is to pray and ask for the strength and wisdom to take me through this obstacle that is in the way. Usually, I am led to God’s word, prayer, and songs of praise which give me the comfort I am seeking at that particular moment in time.
The latest boulder was when we were told our son and daughter-in-law had to make a decision about their unborn son. His neural tube had not closed. He had spina bifida. They were given three options: 1) surgery after birth, 2) surgery while in utero, and 3) terminate the pregnancy. Not only did I pray, but everyone that heard our plea joined us in prayer. We knew God would hear our prayers and see us through this difficult time. Surgery would be done before birth to provide him the best possibilities and outcomes. He is now fifteen months old. The doctors say he will probably never walk, but our God is an awesome God and miracles happen every day. He may not walk as soon as others his age, he may not walk the same as others, but I have faith that he will walk one day.
I know that God has loved me, and you, from the beginning of time and through all the seasons of our lives. The words to “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” speak to the love God has for each of us.
I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell.
When you heard the wonder of the Word, I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,
I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk ‘till rising sun.
In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young,
I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun.
When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes,
I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise.
I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
James 1:3
For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
Sandy Bottner
