I work in a labor and delivery unit as a nurse, and yesterday I was privileged to care for a woman who had twin boys. Right as I was getting a report about this patient, thoughts were rolling through my head about how hectic my day might be, especially since monitoring two babies on the electronic fetal monitor (which tracks fetal heart rates) can be quite challenging. The two previous days had already been so busy, and at this point, sis was tired and my feet hurt from all the standing 😅.
But before I walked into the room, I whispered a quick and quiet prayer:
“Holy Spirit, please take control.”
I walked in to introduce myself, and right then, she was having contractions. We began walking through the contractions together, and in between, we talked about the plan for the day, her preferences, and I encouraged her through each wave of contractions.
We journeyed through the day together, and soon enough, I discovered that her mom, one of her support people in the room, was a Christian and a minister who is also from Kenya. We bonded over our faith in Christ, and she was excited to learn that I’m Nigerian.
What I thought would be a hectic day quickly became one filled with joyful moments, cheering a woman through one of the most eventful and painful experiences of her life.
Hours later, we welcomed the most handsome twin boys into the world with so much excitement! At the end of the day, although I was very tired and my feet were still hurting, I was deeply delighted in how everything turned out. I said to myself, “God definitely ordained for me to care for this patient and her family.”
Before the birth, the patient’s mother had shared that she prayed just before labor began, asking God to take full control. Afterward, she spoke about how amazing the care they had received, and once again, I thought to myself: “God really knows how to take care of His children.”
He knew one of His daughters needed another one of His children and He made sure I was the one assigned to care for them.
Here’s the real reason I’ve been reflecting on my day at work yesterday:
Right after I transferred the patient and her family to the maternity unit (which is our protocol after delivery), the patient’s mother asked if we could hold hands and pray for me. Without hesitation, I agreed.
That was, without a doubt, the greatest thank-you gift I could ever receive.
And afterward, she said something that I will carry in my heart:
“You have been amazing to us. This is your ministry.”
My heart clung to that phrase: “This is your ministry.”
One of my numerous work bathroom selfies😜
I’ve heard it quite a few times. I actually already knew this truth. But hearing her say it, especially after my first impression at the beginning of my shift was, “This is going to be hectic,”🙃 reminded me that God’s plans are always greater.
What I experienced yesterday wasn’t hectic at all, it was phenomenally joyful and fulfilling.
And it clicked once again: my ministry and calling aren’t limited to a specific place or a pulpit. I’ve been called to the marketplace. Wherever I find myself is ministry.
Even in difficult moments of my career, when things aren’t going as planned or I experience some form of failure, I know that God has called me to be hope, light, and encouragement to women in one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives—childbirth.
So here’s my encouragement to you:
Wherever you find yourself, whatever field you may be in, remember this: ministry isn’t tied to a specific place or pulpit. Ministry is wherever you are right now. Your career, your daily work, your presence, the way you’ve been wired, it all matters. It’s an avenue for God to use you.
Invite God into your daily moments and whisper that quick, quiet prayer:
“Holy Spirit, please take control.”
You never know whose life God is positioning you to impact.
Don’t take it lightly, this could be your ministry too.
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