A God who Answers
September 14, 2010
by Russ & Amy Aunger
“Congratulations, you’re having twins!” In many hearts, these words might inspire fear, anxiety, or dismay. But for Russ and Amy Aunger they were words full of joy and wonder. They were also words heralding an answer to prayer. Amy explains that she always wanted twins, a boy and a girl. “I asked for them. I prayed very bold prayers and I asked specifically for these babies. God gave them to me and I’m amazed that He did!” As of June 23rd, the Aunger family doubled, adding twins Joseph and Ruby to their household.
Of course, nothing we live through is ever as simple as it seems on the surface. While a real and visible physical development was taking place through the months of her pregnancy, spiritual growth took place as well. Amy repeatedly placed her trust in the Lord. Despite her prayers, early in her pregnancy, there were no signs indicating she was carrying twins. When the doctor was finally able to confirm not only two babies, but the boy AND girl Amy had prayed for, Amy could hear God saying “Look, Amy, look I am giving you these two babies and I want you to remember how much I love you.” Amy says “He knew I needed something to look at every day to see how much He loved me”. And now that reassuring reminder greets her every day. Even after the birth of the babies, God continued to answer prayer. In the face of multiple warnings from her doctors about the likelihood of premature birth resulting in time in the neonatal intensive care unit for the twins, Amy prayed with what she terms as “audacity”. She told God she trusted Him for healthy babies that would thrive outside the womb: despite being over 5 weeks early, her twins were healthy babies who never spent a night in the NICU. Amy testifies “God is so amazing, that He’s so big and He was able to do those things and He did.”
Amy says that her aunt was a strong influence in her life teaching her “to pray boldly for God’s glory. You’re God’s child and you should expect the favor that comes with that. You should live like you are who you are-a daughter of the Creator of the Universe.” Juggling infant twins, Amy continues to experience God’s provision each day as she seeks Him for her babies’ health and her own strength. And of course she can’t overlook those living, breathing, crying and cooing reminders of answered prayer and a love beyond measure.