Corona Devo 3165

What would you do in a life threatening situation?

What would be our first reaction?

...Seek emergency help maybe.

Give emergency help if possible.

Alert others maybe.

Pray.

What would we do right now if there was an emergency?

--

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (2) Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, (3) though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. ~Psalm 46:1-3

While I was visiting my friends at the nursing home yesterday, one of them started choking. 

As I was saying goodbye to her and others, her eyes were moist, and I looked closer, telling her that I couldn't tell if she was laughing or crying.  

But she didn't comment, and she also showed no alarm, and I continued packing up my things.  

But shortly, one of her tablemates called for help, declaring that she was choking.

I might have known how to do the Heimlich Maneuver, if pressed, but thankfully and immediately, two nurses came to her and began choking protocol. 

In seconds, medical staff appeared, many running, from all parts of the facility, and they gathered around her to assist. 

But whatever was lodged in the throat of this little, kindly, white haired, lovely lady whom I have come to know and love...whatever was stuck, was not becoming unstuck.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  ~Psalm 23:4

What would you do in this emergency?

I hardly remember what I did. 

But suddenly I saw an orange cube eject from her throat and lips, and a piece of her lunchtime cantaloupe flew onto the table.

Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.

2 

Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. (3) Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me.  Say to me, “I am your salvation.”  ~Psalm 35:1-3

Praise the Lord!  She was okay.

She was shaken but alright.  All of us were.

As the nurses receded from her one by one with parting hugs and smiles of reassurance, I then walked over to put my arms around this fragile friend of mine. 

I saw beads of sweat on her forehead and in her powdery hair, but I saw relief and gratitude in her eyes. 

"I've never had that happen before", she said, "but I know it's not my time yet".

And I was so glad of that.   

When I subconsciously repeated "praise the Lord" under my breath a couple times, it was then that her table mate (and another good friend of mine) reminded me of what I was doing during the emergency.

"I heard you praying that whole time", she said to me. 

And then I remembered that this was true. 

In my mind, and under my breath, and out loud, and silently I was praying fervently for those minutes when there was no clearance in her airway.  As she gasped and gaped for air, I prayed for her to be okay.   

I didn't do the Heimlich.  I didn't call 911.  

But I did pray the whole time.  That's what I could do.  

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.  ~Psalm 119:11 

I take no credit, and I offer no claim of "choosing" or" knowing" to pray in that emergency moment.  It's just what came out.  What happened.  And what I ran to: Jesus.

He gets all the credit.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (27) And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  ~Romans 8:26-27

~~~

I met a nurse once who found a girl (drowned) at the bottom of a busy swimming pool.  She began CPR and out of nowhere a woman found her, sat by her, and proceeded to pray and encourage her throughout the duration of her CPR efforts on the child.  

The child was revived, (Praise the Lord!), and the nurse said she could not have persevered through it if it had not been for the prayers of that lady.

After the traumatic event, the nurse spoke with the lady that had come (and stayed) with her in prayer during the emergency.  The (praying) woman said that she had been hundreds of yards away in a different section of the park when she felt led to run to the pool and pray.  And so she did.

~~~

In an emergency, what do we fall back on?  What lies beneath our consciousness?  Where do we turn?  Who do we trust?  What do we do?

We can pray.  That's what we can do.  

We may also be able to be actively involved.  We may be able to alert others, comfort others, or do a specific deed.  

But also and always, in an emergency, we can pray. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  ~Philippians 4:6-7

Blessings,

sarah 

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com