positive

This week we had the opportunity to hear a wonderful teaching about HIV as it relates to pregnancy. We heard this teaching at a clinic that’s run by two incredible, God-fearing doctors here in India.  Besides gaining more knowledge on how to give proper and adequate treatment to the mothers we meet who are HIV positive, we gained a greater heart and understanding of the call God has placed on our lives; to save women. To bring life into this world and claim it for the Kingdom.

Dr. Lavanya introduced her teaching to us with a passage of scripture found in 1 Samuel 30. This story is about David initially experiencing defeat but being able to turn to God for wisdom, strength, and answers. 

³ "When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. ⁴ So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. ⁵ David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. ⁶ David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

⁷ Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelek, “Bring me the ephod.” Abiathar brought it to him, ⁸ and David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?”

“Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.”

 God responded to David and gave him the reassurance he needed to be brave, bold, and victorious.

The reality of so many pregnant women being effected by HIV always goes back to the enemy wanting to attack women and children. Women, the bearers of children are vulnerable. And both women and children are uniquely made in the image of God making them prime targets for attack.  As birth attendants we have the opportunity to redeem women who deliver with HIV. We are delivering them from the enemy of God.  In 1 Samuel we see that David and his men wept over the loss of their wives and children.  God told David to do three things in response to his enemies;

Pursue them

 and as a result, you will 

Overtake them

and

 Rescue them

Those are some incredible promises.

Dr. Lavanya challenged us with this same command when we deal with a mother who is HIV postive. 

Pursue these women. The enemy is strong, and if we don’t pursue them he will keep them captive. We must be in the business of pursuing.

Overtake them- Overtake them with love and with prayer and God will overtake their situations. Care for them.

And rescue them. Be a safe place. Let them need love and provide it. Teach them. Empower them. Provide for the needs.

In verse 18 and 19 we see that David was obedient to what God said and as a result he had victory.

⁸ "David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. ¹⁹ Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken. David brought everything back. "

Our hope is to be victorious in the fight the enemy has placed against us in regards to women who who are positive. The reality of the situation is there is hope. There is chance for life and life abundantly.  And it is beautiful to be reminded that we must be willing to fight for the life of the ones who are the most vulnerable in this world. And as we fight we will rescue them from the hands of the enemy and deliver them into the loving hands of the Father.