I wrote a post yesterday about the "What If" project on a popular infertility website. I deleted it and decided to start over. Ok, Take Two:
I believe that all people go through "What If's" in this life, not just infertile people like me. Single people think, "What if I never find Mr./Mrs. Right?". Unemployed people think, "What if I never find a job I enjoy." People live in fear. What if my mom/dad/spouse/sibling, etc. die and leave me alone? What if I never find joy?
The most often stated commandment in the Bible is not to love (which is so important) and not to obey (also very important), but the most often used statement is...
"Don't be afraid"
My small group Bible study is finishing up the book of Esther and Beth Moore stated something so profound that I blogged about here, but I'll put it here again.
"And if ___________, then _________"
The answer to the second blank HAS to be GOD. My God will take care of me!
"And if I can't have a baby, then I'll get out of bed and My God will take care of me!
"And if I'm not pregnant this month, then God has a plan!"
"And if I'm not meant to be a mother, then God desires to accomplish something monumental in me!"
"And if my marriage suffers through a lack of children, then God's going to demonstrate His sufficiency to me!"
Let me tell you, I'm the first to not make these "then's" be the first "then's".
My first "then" will probably be:
- cry my eyes out
- not want to get out of bed
- whine, wail, and pray
But THEN......GOD!
The postings that the women recorded on that blog were absolutely heart wrenching. And I have had many of those same "What If's" play through my mind again and again, but I believe this...
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever...
Psalm 138:8a
your love, O LORD, endures forever...
Psalm 138:8a
Have a wonderful Sunday and I pray for all who read this that all of the "What If's" in your life turn to "Then God".
Wow, this was a powerful post, beautifully written. I'm moved by your strong sense of faith, it's so hard to maintain that strength when struggling with infertility. Thank you for this post, it really spoke to me. I had to stop by & say hello, saw your blog listed on My Infertility Woes.
ReplyDeleteI like your "then God's". I have written a post about "what if's" and how most of the things that we worry about don't come to pass. And if they do, THEN God will give us the strength to get through it. He doesn't promise us the peace when we allow our minds to stay in "what if" land. He promises us the strength to get through today while trusting Him with our tomorrows. I try sooo hard to stay away from the "what if" mentality...hard to do but when those doubts come around, like you, I have to turn them into "then God's". I am so sorry to hear you had a long hard week!! I am praying this next one goes much much better!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post...reminds me to continue looking UP :)
ReplyDeleteI just ran across your blog.... I did the Esther study too and loved this very topic! I also posted a note about the Project "what if". I love your spin on it, SO true! Wish I'd thought of it :) May God continue to bless your journey. Sarah
ReplyDeleteReally powerful post, Rachel
ReplyDeleteI'm a little behind on reading blogs this week but flagged this because I wanted to make sure I came back to tell you how powerful this was!! I LOVE it. It's so amazing. Thank you for sharing it with us. :)
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