power

Last night I was reminded of the awesome power of God that lives in me. About 3:30AM I was awoken by a loud and shrieking cry. I immediately jumped up, threw off my covers, and bolted down the hallway. Usually when we hear Annikah in the middle of the night we wait it out a few minutes and see if she goes back to sleep on her own but this cry was different and I was up and taking action before even one minute went by. I opened her bedroom door and surveyed the scene to try to discern what was going on. I found her standing in the corner of her crib shaking and crying, like she was terrified. I was armed with baby Motrin but something told me she was not in pain but scared. I recognized this because I had (and still occasionally have) night terrors. I picked her up and told her it was ok and that Mama was here. She continued to cry and whimper like she was still scared. I did not think something was wrong medically but had this feeling that I needed to pray out loud for her right then. I prayed something like “Lord, please in the name of Jesus take away any fear or attack that Anni is feeling right now, help her to feel your love and comfort at this moment.”
What happened next was nothing short of amazing. Almost instantaneously her little body relaxed and she stopped crying. She hugged my neck tight and I sat down in the glider to rock her. Not even a minute later she was fast sleep in my arms. I would be skeptical if I was not there myself but God gave her peace right at that moment. It was a reminder to me that God is in control and He is all powerful. This power cannot be manipulated nor was I the one that did something “magical” to allow Anni to feel comforted but it was God. As a follower of Jesus this power is available to me and too often I try my own way first or doubt but He does desire to answer our prayers and He is faithful. I am sure some would explain away this incident as being coincidence but I felt the power of God calming her and me. I do not like to over-spiritualize things; case in point, “these cute pants I want are on sale so it must be a sign from God!” (although if your hubby would buy it I say go for it :). At the same time I do think sometimes I over complicate things that God has in His control. Too often I turn to the Motrin first without even giving a thought to praying or asking God to intervene. Of course, God uses medicine, others, circumstances, etc but the importance of seeking Him is what I was reminded of last night. I rocked Annikah for a few brief moments and in the silence I thought about Christ’s victory over everything in this world. This verse came to mind:
Colossians 2:15 (New International Version)
15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
At the time of Jesus’ death the cross represented failure and defeat to the people, authorities, and even some of His followers but even a few days later the symbol of the cross would be proven to be the source of true, powerful, and all encompassing love.
I am thankful for this small reminder that God is in control and His power to love, heal, and give peace in the midst of daily life.