Thursday, May 6, 2010

February gathering

Our special guest in February shared her story of infertility, failed adoptions, a successful but difficult adoption process, and the ongoing journey of trusting God through life's trials.  Here are some of the ideas/concepts she gave us to ponder.


- Men just deal with infertility and disappointment differently than women.  There's no getting around this.  They may go back to work, looking as though they don't care about a loss or dashed hope, but this is part of how God made them.  They compartmentalize.  In vitro is difficult for husbands as well as (obviously) for the wives, largely due to the hormonal changes that occur in the wife's body and the man's inability to fix the situation.


- God is in the process of character building.
         - Jeremiah 17:7-8  "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, 
       whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water 
       that sends out its roots by the stream.
       It does not fear when heat comes;
       its leaves are always green.
       It has no worries in a year of drought
       and never fails to bear fruit."
         - 1 Peter 5:7-11  "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."         - Philippians 4:11-12  "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."


- She encouraged us to make good use of our present circumstances, reminding us that sometimes our plans are put on hold and we have to choose to grow in our present circumstances.  The Biblical character Hannah, from 1 Samuel, was referenced as an example.


What are your present circumstances?  Are you letting your life be on hold while you cling to the hope of what you long for?  Or are you living to the fullest with whatever God has chosen and/or allowed into your life?  Do you trust Him fully - do you trust that His plan for your life is better than your own plan?  It is certainly a choice we make with our heads first, praying that our hearts will catch up and truly believe that His way is the best way.



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