Two Are Better Than One (Part 2)

The second benefit of relationships is the support and encouragement they give us in our daily walk. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” If you live life long enough, sooner or later you are going to face adversity and trials. Sunday, August 20th, was one of the days.

Just after midnight, Cindy and I received a phone call from Clayton Bell communicating to us that they were having complications in their pregnancy. Kelly’s cervix was not functioning properly and the cramping she felt was actually contractions. Considering the advanced state of her conditions, there was only one procedure that was an option, and it provided nearly zero chance of things changing. Unless something happened, Kelly would go into labor within 48 hours, delivering a 21 week old baby that was much too young to live very long outside of the womb. The Bells went to sleep that night praying that our God would provide a miracle and allow the baby to live.

After checking to make sure that nothing had changed through the night, Kelly was placed on a medicine to bring about contractions. It was better for her health to have the baby quickly. After the doctor broke her water at about 4:00pm, Kelly gave birth to Grace Shiloh Bell at 4:45pm, August 20th, 2006.

Grace Shiloh, or Gracie, was beautiful and perfect. Small and too soon, she was nonetheless perfectly formed and so beautiful. They spent a little less than two hours with her while she was alive, and then she returned to her Heavenly Father, who graciously allowed them so much time with her. They love her infinitely, and cannot wait to spend Eternity with her creating all of memories that they won’t be able to have on this earth.

I will never forget my moment with Gracie. I felt I had looked into the face of eternity. In a moment of suffering, in her beautiful face I beheld the glory of the Father and the reflection of two wonderful and proud parents.

Grace!!!

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Beholding Gracie, I was reminded of the grace of God. The grace that empowers us to do the good works the Father has prepared for us, and to run our race in a way to gain the prize of Jesus Christ.

Rest!!!

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. Hebrews 4:1

Looking at Gracie's face, I was also reminded of the rest my soul longs for in being in the fullness of the presence of God after finishing his work and crossing the finish line of my destiny.Gracie fought the good fight and finished her race. I pray I fight and run as well as Gracie Shiloh to the glory of God the Father.

It was such a privilege to be in that hospital room on Sunday. Cindy and I got to pray for Clayton and Kelly and pray over Gracie Shiloh. After two miscarriages of our own, we were able to encourage them with the comfort God had given us in a supernatural way having gone through our own trials of birth.

Not only did we encourage the Bells, but they encouraged us. We saw the joy of two proud parents. There is nothing like the gaze of parents upon their child. Not that I needed any more proof, but my faith was strengthened as I saw the same supernatural peace and comfort in their souls that Cindy and I had experienced. I left the room grieving, but encouraged and peaceful that this situation would work out for good and to the glory of God.

I am so thankful the Bells did not have to go through that day alone, and we could share in this experience. As Cindy and I were leaving the hospital, we gave Kelly’s parents a big hug and reassured them that we would do whatever it takes to love and support Clayton and Kelly during this time. They were thankful and commented on how many people from Every Nation had been at the hospital that day. They knew their loved ones would be okay because they have great friends.