Week 15 - Horses and Chariots

This week I have been presented with the option of having genetic testing. Rather, it has been highly suggested that I accept testing, due to certain perceived “risk factors”. As we attempted to explain our position on amniocentesis, quad tests, sampling, etc., this verse ran thru my mind “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7.

I’ve heard this verse before, as it’s meaning has been applicable to several circumstances in my life where I’ve trusted in my education, reputation, job, etc. to bring about a particular desired result. However, in this instance, the “horses and chariots” are the medical advances and technology that would encourage me to try to fulfill the role of God.

In the case of genetic counseling and testing, some advocates tout it as highly recommended in equipping parents to be fully prepared for what lies ahead. For some parents this means providing the opportunity to make decisions regarding whether or not to bring a child into this world based upon test results. For others it is said to allow time to process and prepare.

The problem is, in my conversations, even the “owners” of the horses and chariots admit that results can be skewed and inaccurate. As a result, I’ve heard stories of parents terminating healthy pregnancies or spending countless days unnecessarily worrying about the future. Thus the wheels of the chariots occasionally falter and the horses periodically fall.

So you see, when it came to genetic testing, we determined that the results would not change how we proceeded, so we opted out. Furthermore, we decided to stick with the Lord, the One who made both the “horse” and the “chariot”, the medical advances and the physicians. The Perfect One does not falter nor fail.

So while some may choose to trust in these chariots and horses, we choose to trust in the name of the Lord.

In Him,

Kim