I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’
Psalm 91:2
At 24 weeks, I went in for a routine ultrasound appointment. The ultrasound technician was leaning into the screen really close and before we knew it, she called for an OB. The OB and ultrasound tech stepped out of the room and said they’d be right back. When our doctor came back in, he told us that he was concerned with the way our baby’s heart looked, and sent us off to a specialist.
The specialists told us they thought part of our baby’s pulmonary artery was missing, and that his heart was on the right (not left) side of his body. They quickly called in a genetic counselor, and with tears rolling down their cheeks, proceeded to tell us that we needed to prepare ourselves for the worst.
I remember my husband holding my hand tighter than he’d ever done before. I remember sitting in the parking garage of the hospital with my head on the steering wheel, sobbing. I remember calling my dad and he praying over me while choking back his tears.
Over the next few months, while bouncing between different specialists, God took my prayers of fear and pain and gave me refuge. I remember the night my husband and I prayed to God and let Him know that we trusted Him; we were okay if God wanted to take our Baby Luca home early. I can’t explain it, but after that prayer, we both felt an overwhelming peace.
About 15 weeks later, it was time for our baby to arrive! Right before delivery, the doctors went over our biggest fears: 1) our baby might not make it; 2) our baby might have to go Vanderbilt immediately, for surgery; 3) our baby's heart may prevent him from living a normal life.
Our baby arrived and went straight to the NICU.
Luca’s misplaced heart was not beyond the power of God. God performed the miraculous. Luca’s heart was functioning fine- it’s just wasn’t where it should be!
As we held our baby for the first time, and watched his little chest rise and fall, we were reminded of a God who is mighty to save. A God who is a strong defender. A God who loves Luca dearly... a God who loves all of us dearly.
I’m not sure what you’re going through or what battle you are facing, but here’s what I do know: God is with you and loves you. God's power is greater than any threat or danger you may face in this lifetime. Be encouraged, for He is your strong fortress, a hiding place no matter your fears or doubts.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us... Amen and so be it.
Amy Ferguson '18