MIRACLE BABY

His name is Malachi.   In Hebrew it means, 'Messenger of God'.

He was even a miracle conception.  His parents had tried for years to conceive, utilizing fertility clinics with their modern technology to increase their chances of having the baby they so very much wanted.  Family and friends were all praying for a child to be conceived.

Finally, they received the news of pregnancy and there was much celebration and gratitude to God.

The pregnancy was progressing with no problems.  Each prenatal visit and ultrasound proved all was well.

Then after 31 weeks of pregnancy, the water broke and a little boy made it known that he wanted to experience the world.  Only problem was, he thought a breach approach was most suited.

So, then a C-Section was planned.  Everything seemed fine for little Malachi to wait a little longer to make his grand entrance so there were a few more hours of waiting while other babies decided it was a good day to be born.

Then it was Malachi's turn.  He was delivered all pink with limbs moving and a cry of exuberance.  But then time stood still as for some unknown reason, little Malachi suddenly stopped breathing.

Panic ensued.  There had been no indication of any potential problems.  Suddenly every specialist was called in to help.  CPR on a tiny 3 pound 14 ounce newborn was performed relentlessly for 30 minutes while family anxiously, tearfully waited.

Finally he was breathing again but with tubes everywhere to help him live.

Now he had a 20% chance of survival.  There was no clear understanding of what caused his heart to stop.  His family began a prayer vigil around him throughout the night.  They refused to give up.  They refused to believe this miracle baby did not have a future planned by God.  As the hours passed they just kept praying while the medical staff witnessed their faith and hope in a loving God.

By morning, little Malachi had a 80% survival rate.  Gradually less oxygen, tubes and medications were required.  The prayer vigil continued but now included enormous praise for God's goodness.

The  next day tests were performed to see if any brain damage had occurred while Malachi struggled to live.  He  had a 100% survival rate now but would there be lingering developmental effects resulting from his precarious start to life.  The results soon revealed that Malachi continued to live up to his reputation of Miracle Baby.

That same day, brand new 'Mom' was able to hold her bundle of blessing and joy in her arms, outside of the incubator, for the very first time.  What a sweet and glorious feeling!

I thank God today that the little baby I have been praying for, since before his conception, has finally entered this world.  In just a few days,  he has already lived up to his name: "Messenger of God".

Give Thanks!