By Stan Florez

New Horizons

So, what do you do when you have a great need? You call out to God and then have to believe. But what happens if it doesn’t turn out the way you had hoped or planned? You continue to trust in the master’s plan.

“Help us, if you can,” asked a father. “What do you mean, ‘If I can?’” Jesus responded. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:22-24).

I became a grandfather a couple of weeks ago. I know, I know, I am way too young and too good looking, but it’s true. From now on, just call me Gramps. My little grandson did not come into this world easily. There were some trying and faith-building times.

Christina, my eldest daughter has always been a model (not sure I would use the word “model” – it sounds a bit like she does what she is “supposed” to do) Christian. She became a Christian at age 6 and has faithfully served God throughout her life. God has richly blessed her. She has a wonderful husband, prestigious career, a beautiful home, etc. Yet, one thing was missing in her life: she wanted to be a mom.

Surely God would bless her, right? Well, after lots of prayer and a year of trying she finally conceived! Hallelujah! Things appeared to be going well. Then came the news, “the baby is not developing as he should.” Something is wrong. We prayed for a miracle and to the doctor’s surprise, the next test appeared normal. Praise the lord. With a few weeks to go, the next visit revealed the baby was breech so they scheduled an appointment for the next day to try to turn him. This procedure had its risks. OK, more prayer. Just before the procedure the doctor requested another ultrasound. Again, to his amazement, the baby had turned to the proper position within those 24 hours. With hands raised and running around the house like a mad man, I shouted “Praise the lord! He came through again! ”

The following week the tests showed the baby was again breech! Now, wait a darn minute; this is not supposed to happen. He is way too big and he was in the right position a week ago. Our spirits were low but not shaken. We believed God would come through again. The doctor scheduled a Caesarean section for the following week. This was a real bummer, for my daughter wanted her first to be a natural birth. OK, OK, more praying and more believing. The big day approached and wouldn’t you know it, he was back in his place. I wish I could say the delivery came without any problems, but that’s not so – my son-in-law, who was in the delivery room, was pretty shaken up and exhausted. Pray for him.

A number of times our faith was tested, but we had to believe. In our case, we received the blessing. But what happens when we pray and it doesn’t turn out the way we had hoped or asked for? Well, you will have to wait for Part 2.

By the way, I wanted them to name my grandson “Maximus,” “Roman” or “Maverick.” You know, a manly name. But they chose “Ronin,” which means “slippery seal.” It fits.

Stan Florez is a pastor at New Horizons. The Web site is www.newhorizonsch.com