Today we took Genevieve to the doctor for her first “sick” baby visit. We have been so blessed that she has been exceptionally healthy! She has had a bad sounding cough, so we figured we would make sure it wasn’t turning into something worse than just that.
She is doing much better, and it was good we took her in to make sure it didn’t get worse, but, no worries, she is on the mend! It’s hard to even know when she feels bad, because she still is her smiley, happy self!
But, I am not writing to tell you about Genevieve’s health, but to expand upon something her pediatrician said today.
Josh and I are minimalists when it comes to medication and going to the doctor. I am sure we are on the edge of irrational at times when we should really just take something or see the doctor, but we just wait it out. We believe that God heals our bodies and that is what they were meant to do. Obviously, there are times where medical intervention is needed (believe me, I know this:)), but we typically do not run to the doctor.
When we saw the pediatrician today, Josh explained to him that we always wait a while before we come to the doctor, and we were hoping we wouldn’t get “scolded” for not coming in at her first cough or runny nose.
Instead, we were affirmed. Our pediatrician complimented us and went on to say that he wishes more parents would do the same. He basically explained that besides some special circumstances, our bodies will heal themselves, but often times that comes through pain, and many people and parents aren’t willing to have their baby go through pain while they fight infection, a cold, or just some discomfort! And I get that! Even if I know Genevieve will get over something, you better believe I want her on something to help her feel better! But what our doctor was saying is that people in our society want a “quick fix.”
We explained to our doctor that if we didn’t need any medication, we would not be upset to have taken an hour or so out of our day and a co-pay to just hear that Genevieve is fine and doesn’t need any medicine. We just wanted to hear a professional’s opinion on her cough.
He once again was stunned at this because He said parents just want a prescription as quickly as possible. Adults do this too! We’ve all been there– well, at least I have– I would think, “JUST GIVE ME A SHOT!”
We did get a prescription for our sweet girl and our visit to the doctor was warranted, but it just got me thinking more about our prayer lives.
One of my main goals for 2016 is to be much more intentional in prayer. Especially as I see my Genevieve growing and I feel this new baby growing, the essentialism of prayer for my family is of utmost importance.
But, here’s the thing. We all want to pray and something happen immediately. We want a quick fix and we get discouraged when we see our prayers go unanswered. Many times we stop praying those prayers because we feel God isn’t listening, or it just simply is against His will. And it may be, but it also may not be the case.
Our church gives us the opportunity to write prayer requests for the upcoming year at the start of each year. We all put them in a box and they are prayed over all year long. At the end of the year, they are mailed back to us and I get to read what God has done- what prayers were answered, what prayers were clearly unanswered, and then those prayers that I MUST keep praying.
Wow, was it amazing to see so many prayers answered this year. But, I also have to be honest. There were several that had gone unanswered. In actuality, it seems like some cases have gotten worse and as if God had not intervened at all.
But, I am not stopping. I will not be someone who stops praying if a prayer goes unanswered, or even when a prayer seems to be ignored.
Are we willing to stop praying for something “as soon as possible” and change to praying for “as long as it takes”?
I want to be a prayer warrior for my husband. For our children. For my family. For my friends. I want to stay faithful in prayer.
I want to rejoice when I see a prayer answered that I have been praying for years. I want to experience the intimacy that comes from having faith when all odds are against me.
I want to go against the grain of our culture. I don’t want a “quick fix”. I want to experience the supernatural and in order to experience that and have more intimacy with my creator, I must pray as long as it takes.
If you are feeling discouraged today about another prayer unanswered, or even feel like you have been ignored, will you join me in praying as long as it takes?
Feel free to email me if you want me to join you in praying for something specific. I will believe with you that we will see that prayer answered in 2016. And if not then, He still is good, and WE WILL KEEP PRAYING!!!
For as long as it takes,
Aly
