A Promised Child

Several years ago at a local Revival Crusade hosted by Bishop Neil C. Ellis here in the Bahamas, a gentleman by the name of Pastor Wesley Thompson shared how he and his wife had recently received a wonderful miracle from God - a promised child. All ears were open; everyone wanted to hear about God's extraordinary works, even though many did not believe that a miracle could possibly happen for them, they were elated to hear how someone's life was impacted by the presence and power of God.

Pastor and Mrs. Thompson of Mount Pleasant Green Baptist Church, we were told, believed God for a child for all of their marriage. For many years they sought the advice of doctors, underwent surgeries, exercised and prayed. Throughout these trying times Marsha and her husband were bombarded with nagging voices that told them that their dream was impossible. Though many considered them to be up in age and possibly beyond her childbearing years they pressed on standing on the promises of God's Word.

Years later, Marsha and her husband decided to adopt a child. Some months later, Marsha and her husband were blessed with a beautiful newborn baby girl whom they named Abanique. They constantly poured love into their daughter whose nursery was prepared and furnished years before. Though she and her husband loved Abanique with all their hearts, they never gave up on God's promise concerning Marsha's pregnancy.

At 44 years of age, when everyone said it was hopeless Marsha miraculously gave birth to their son Matthian after some twenty-one years of trying. The joy experienced in childbirth was special to Marsha as her promised child made his grand entrance into the family.

I later came to know and admire the lady whose story was shared that evening in the park. What was not shared however, was the struggles and the heartache experienced during those years. The times she cried herself to sleep at night, her heart longing for a child. The fact that she was unable to conceive for her faithful, loving husband hurt all the more.

The heartache of not being able to feel her child growing in her womb, the despondency of walking past an empty room earmarked for their baby who's arrival seemed long overdue. The dejection of watching others dedicate their infants to the Lord was almost unbearable. The sorrow she felt every Mother's day was just another reminder of the vacant spot in her heart and in her home.

Though the pain was real, Marsha knew that God's promises for her life were also real. Marsha was resolute, she believed and prayed God's Word daily concerning her situation in spite of what she saw. My friend made it her business to love the children whom God had placed around her. Children who came into her presence felt God's love regardless of their ages.

So many times we throw in the towel; we give up the fight, we listen to the nay sayers, the dream squashers without even conferring with the One from whom our dream came. Marsha never gave up on God, to this day her words remain the same..."our God is able...is there anything too hard for God?"

What was key in strengthening Marsha throughout her challenging journey was her relationship with God. She knew that it was not enough to know about God or to simply go to church; Marsha made Jesus the Lord of her life. Having established a relationship with Him, she was able to communicate with Him through prayer and reading her Bible, which not only strengthened her, but also allowed the Holy Spirit of God to guide her.

Now her faith was not in faith or the words of others, but in what God had to say about her situation. Friend, it is never too late to trust God, call out to Him, He is the dream giver, your Way maker, your strength and your guide. Marsha's dream was her baby; what's your dream? Will you give it life? Will you be bold like Marsha, and stand on the Word of God in spite of the circumstances, doctor's reports and old wives fables? Be encouraged to stand fast, as you believe God for your miracle.

Both Pastor and Mrs. Thompson continue to share their awesome testimony of the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God. Countless women have been touched and since realized their dream of having children after being inspired by Marsha's story. If you are one of them, or if you would like to have the Thompson's stand in agreement with you, why don't you drop them a line today. For prayers for your promised child email your requests to: mt.pleasantgreen2003@yahoo.com.