By: Gabrielle Dwire
Everything was going smoothly with my first pregnancy, until one day it wasn’t. In August of 2021 my son, Liam, wasn't kicking very much so out of precaution we went to the hospital. I started having contractions which resulted in limited oxygen and blood flow to Liam. The doctor tried to keep Liam in as long as possible, but he had to be delivered five days later. Liam was born 12 weeks early at 27 weeks and 4 days gestation. Then, due to COVID, my husband and I were not able to see him for 10 days.
When we came home from the hospital, it felt so empty and like we had lost him already.
I was supposed to rest due to my C-section, but I wanted to keep busy so I didn't have to think about not having my baby home with me. Adjusting to this through the pain, changing hormones, and not knowing what to do was so hard. If we didn't have our neighbors, Rich, Shelby, and their kids checking in daily and praying with us, I'm not sure what we would have done. We spent a lot of time in worship, prayer, and tears. We kept reminding ourselves that God's plan was good and perfect and that He was in control. I remember surrendering myself and Liam to God and reminding myself that our lives are meant to be lived for His purpose and His glory.
Looking back at it all, I know we wouldn't have made it through without God's strength.
Isaiah 40:29 NLT says, "He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might he increases power.” I prayed for God's strength to overcome. Derek and I prayed for God to take over the situation, knowing that it's His job to take care of us and our job to trust him and have faith that His ways are better.
NICU families, know that God will give you what you need, when you need it.
If you are in a really tough season right now, I encourage you to find quiet time to surrender your situation to God. I pray you’ll find trust, hope, and faith in Him again. God wants to show you just how big He is and the ways He can move in your life. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT, says, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” May you give God your weakness, so He can give you His strength.
Gabrielle is a NICU mom to a 27-weeker. She is passionate about using writing to share her testimony and the things God places on her heart in order to encourage and strengthen the faith of others.