“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” [I Peter 3:15].
For most of my life, I wouldn’t have been able to give a good answer to the question, “what makes you so hopeful?”
Prior to infertility, I probably would’ve said: because I’m an optimist, because my life has always been good, because things work out like they should. Those shallow answers would’ve been honest — but they would’ve mirrored a life with very few challenges, and very little spiritual insight. A sleepwalking life.
God wanted more for my children. He wanted a spiritual role model with a servant’s heart and a sense of stewardship. So, He used infertility (and a host of other heartbreaking challenges) to capture my undivided attention. Once He had it, He pulled the rug out from under me.
Over and over and over.
My father died. My mother died. I miscarried twins — one at a time. Our baby might have Down’s Syndrome. Our baby had a hole in the heart. Our baby needed open heart surgery. More miscarriages. No money; no rest; no time with my medical resident husband. Five months of bedrest (stressed & stir crazy) following another miscarriage. Premature delivery. A cardiac emergency in the delivery room. Massive transfusions. Cancer and chemo with a newborn.
On and on and on it went….
But, we survived. And to our great joy, so did two babies. Through it all, I learned to cling to the only One who had the power to bless us, protect us and sustain us through the constant onslaught of tragedy and trauma. I learned where to find shelter in the storm.
“… like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built” [Luke 6:48].
The storm finally passed. I realized I could stop holding my breath, stop anticipating the next crisis. Slowly, I recovered a sense of Normal and emerged from my hiding place with a new appreciation for God’s faithfulness.
What is the reason for hope that is unshakeable? The goodness of God. It is completely reliable.
One day, you, too, will have a compelling answer when people ask, “How were you able to sustain your hope? How did you keep believing a baby would come until yours finally did?” Lean into believing there is a reason to hope. Honor God with your trust. He will reward you with blessings you can only imagine.
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For more resources and cause for hope, visit PregnantWithHope.com
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*Please note: Summer reruns begin next week. Look for your favorite blogposts and share them with someone who needs to support your journey, or to find hope for their own.
Pregnant with Hope 