We have some friends who recently had their 1st child. Let me back up... We have some friends who tried for many, many months to get pregnant. After a lot of fertility issues, they finally conceived. During her pregnancy, my friend faced quite a few issues. Although they were all relatively minor, she developed gestational diabetes and some other pesky but controllable problems. (Back to the beginning of my post, now.) Recently, this couple had their baby. He is a beautiful 7lb 3oz little boy. However, b/c she became pre-eclamptic, they induced her and as a result the baby got an infection. Now, they are having to stay in the hospital with him for a minimum of 28 days. They are taking it in stride, glorifying God that it's nothing more serious and dealing with what has been placed in front of them.
Then, there is another family. The Lawrensons (see the side link for Nate, Tricia and Baby Gwyneth). They continue to amaze me. Tricia has cystic fibrosis. Her outlook on this fatal disease is amazing. She looks at it as a way God has allowed her to reach people for Him. They recently (2 months ago) had a baby girl, Gwyneth. She was born 15+ week early and is defying odds. I am simply amazed at the strengths of these families.
My point in telling you about these families is not to depress you. I look at these folks and I wonder why they are going through these things. Granted, they do not see them as "sad" or "unfortunate." This really makes me wonder if it is because of their relationship with God, that they have been selected to endure. Is it because they have such unwaivering faith, that they have been chosen? It makes me examine my own walk with Christ. Have I fully turned my heart over to him? Have I allowed Him full access into my heart, mind and body or do I keep Him at bay, only asking His opinion when I think I'm in need.
Most people in the situations that these families (and countless others) are in would ask "Why Me?" I've never heard, or read, this from either of these folks. Which makes me ask, "Why not me, God?" Why have I not had an experience like this? Why have I been "spared?" Maybe I'm not where I need to be, with my relationship with God, to endure such things, or maybe mine is yet to come. Either way, I lift these families up in prayer daily. I pray for them to have peace, rest, guidance and to feel the warmth and love that only God can provide. I hope that you'll pray along with me...
Then, there is another family. The Lawrensons (see the side link for Nate, Tricia and Baby Gwyneth). They continue to amaze me. Tricia has cystic fibrosis. Her outlook on this fatal disease is amazing. She looks at it as a way God has allowed her to reach people for Him. They recently (2 months ago) had a baby girl, Gwyneth. She was born 15+ week early and is defying odds. I am simply amazed at the strengths of these families.
My point in telling you about these families is not to depress you. I look at these folks and I wonder why they are going through these things. Granted, they do not see them as "sad" or "unfortunate." This really makes me wonder if it is because of their relationship with God, that they have been selected to endure. Is it because they have such unwaivering faith, that they have been chosen? It makes me examine my own walk with Christ. Have I fully turned my heart over to him? Have I allowed Him full access into my heart, mind and body or do I keep Him at bay, only asking His opinion when I think I'm in need.
Most people in the situations that these families (and countless others) are in would ask "Why Me?" I've never heard, or read, this from either of these folks. Which makes me ask, "Why not me, God?" Why have I not had an experience like this? Why have I been "spared?" Maybe I'm not where I need to be, with my relationship with God, to endure such things, or maybe mine is yet to come. Either way, I lift these families up in prayer daily. I pray for them to have peace, rest, guidance and to feel the warmth and love that only God can provide. I hope that you'll pray along with me...