Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Proverbs 4:25 NIV

After nine long months, it was time to meet our new baby. I pushed and pushed and pushed, for an hour and a half. Our baby was stuck! The doctor couldn’t get him out and he couldn’t push him back.

My husband is a family physician. He’s delivered babies. And he’s been in the delivery room when things go wrong. Our baby was not coming into the world easily. With every contraction, his heart rate plummeted. My husband knew our baby was in danger. Calmly, he pressed his forehead against mine, spoke low and soft,

I love you. Do you know how much I love you? Now, when the doctor says push, you push. Got it?

He never moved away. He stayed right there, eyes focused on mine, and kept telling me, “I love you.” Over and over… as I pushed… naïve… safe in his love.

Eventually, our little guy made it through, his head swollen, smooshed, and twisted like a corkscrew, his face bruised. It was love at first sight anyway. How could a mama not love her baby boy?

I learned many months later that my husband, his mom (a nurse) and our son’s doctor were concerned about his development due to the trauma he endured. His heart rate shouldn’t have dipped so low for so long. His sweet brain should not have endured the punishment it took. Yet, he’s okay… now, an adult embarking on his own life.

I look back on that time and realize my husband’s sacrifice to get me through. He knew the danger, but he swallowed his fear and focused on what was best in the moment… getting us through serious complications. He stifled his pain and kept me focused on one thing: love.

The memory of my husband’s forehead pressed against mine…  giving me everything he had… reminds me of God’s love for me. God is there, pressed in giving me everything He has to get me through tough moments. He just wants me to press back, focused on His love… never wavering… never losing focus.

Do you face fear or uncertainty? Change your focus. Fix your gaze on God, not on the troubles of this world. He wants only the best for you. He loves you.

Dear God, Thank You for Your love. No matter what we face: health problems, financial stress, hunger, fear, or loneliness... You are there. When we press into You, fill us with Your love. Forgive us for our doubts and fears; replace them with Your hope and love. Thank You, Father God. We focus on You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.