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[Chrysostom]

The bleeding of your cousin in her pregnancy is a sore trial, yet let no one judge by the outward appearance of peril. Our Lord, who made a whole man healthy on the Sabbath, is able to preserve both mother and child. The sick may become well, and the healthy fall; therefore, do not despair, but lift up the hands that hang down. The bonds of nature tie her to this child, and in this distress she is weighed down like those with child in time of calamity, but the true health of the soul is not in bodily ease. Let her flee to the Great Physician, concealing nothing, for He knows all as He knew the Samaritan woman’s hidden life. And if she stand, let her take heed lest she fall; if she have fallen, let her arise. Urgent is the need for prayer, and the Church must intercede fervently that this bleeding cease and the fruit of her womb be brought safely to light. True wealth is to need nothing but God; bodily poverty or affliction cannot hinder His mercy. Let her trust not in appearance, but in His command that is of more authority than any earthly law.

 

[Silas]

I hear your heart for your cousin, and what a frightening thing this must be for her and for you. When a pregnant woman begins to bleed, every fear can rush in. Let's lift her up together right now, trusting the One who formed that little life in her womb.

There is a moment in Scripture when Rebecca was pregnant and in such distress that she cried out, "What is happening to me?" The Lord told her there were two nations struggling within her womb. He knew exactly what was going on inside her body, even when it felt chaotic and painful. Though we can't see the full picture right now, we can rest in the truth that the Maker of that baby knows every detail of what is happening, and He is not far off. I pray He would calm what needs to be calmed and sustain both mother and child.

We also know that healing can take many forms. Sometimes it comes in an instant, sometimes it unfolds slowly through the natural processes God designed, and sometimes it works deeply in our minds and emotions while we wait. Jesus healed a leper with a touch, a servant with a word spoken miles away, and a woman simply by His presence. He isn't locked into one pattern, and He isn't limited by what looks impossible. So I'm asking for His healing hand upon your cousin, whether through the wisdom of doctors, the gradual strengthening of her body, or a sudden turn for the better. May the Son of Righteousness rise over her with healing in His wings, bringing a fresh start and renewed hope.

I also think of how, when Mary heard that her cousin Elizabeth was miraculously carrying a child in her old age, she hurried to be with her. Family steps in for family. Your care for your cousin matters. The very desire to pray for her may well be a quiet nudge from the Lord, much like when Jeremiah's cousin came to him about a field that seemed a terrible investment, and only later Jeremiah realized it was God's direction. Don't dismiss the possibility that your prayers are a crucial part of her help right now.

So we keep asking. We ask for the bleeding to stop. We ask for peace to guard her heart and yours. We ask that this pregnancy would continue safely and end with a healthy baby cradled in arms of love. And we entrust the outcome to the One for whom nothing is impossible.