Romans 4:18-22
"In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised."
'In hope he believed against hope'
Ever had that feeling that you KNOW something is gonna happen even though it looks unlikely/impossible?
This is having faith, whether you realise it or not.
My husband and I are living through this even now.
For years we have been trying to have children, but as with Abraham and Sarah, we have considered our bodies, and it doesn't seem like its possible.
Eventhough ever since I was 12 I have wanted to be a wife and a mother, this hasn't quite been fulfilled yet.
I am halfway there - I am a wife, and I thank God for that joy, I appreciate so much that God has fulfilled this desire.
Yet there is that hope, that desire (yet unfulfilled) to have children.
I often call to mind, and remind God that Psalm 113:9 states, "He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!"
This is a promise at God has given, and He is no liar, He tells the truth, His words will come to be, so I hold on to this hope.
It sometimes seems easier to try to forget the deep desires of our hearts, as the waiting process can be very long and very painful. Look at Abraham - he had to wait til he was about 100!
So, I reckon he must of found a place where he found inner peace although he didn't understand why his promise had not yet happened. He still held onto the hope as he, "grew strong in his faith". He didn't wander off in sorrow & despair, he held on to something greater.
My question is: How can I get there?
I don't think it's by shoving my hopes, dreams and desires to the back of my mind, shoving them under the carpet to be hidden away to gather dust. They will still be there if I do that, still as painful, but tucked away slowly causing hope to wither away. Snatching away any other sources of joy as it becomes the enormous white elephant in the room.
So what shall I do?
Here are five things I think will help me to continue this path;
1) I shall continue to hold onto the promises that, "He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;" (psalm 145:19) and that "the barren woman.......joyous mother of children" and I will remind myself that God is able.
2) I shall continue to seek Him for the solution, not myself, my body or anything else as these things will let me down.
3) I will live for Him, not for myself.
4) I will talk to Him about how I feel, the frustrations, sadness and despair at hopes unfulfilled.
5) I will trust God that He knows best and that I don't.
I want to grow strong in my faith as Abraham is credited with doing. I do not want lack of children to become the main thing of my life - what a depressing life that would be.
If that were my focus, each and every day thinking about the lack in my life, the sadness would be overwhelming.
You may not be suffering the sting of childlessness, your journey may have other struggles, but i think the same still applies. I encourage you, if you are overwhelmed by a lack in your life, choose to make the main thing (God) your main thing, and see how this affects you. It could change your outlook, and even your life!
I want God to be my main thing, the one at I focus on, hope and trust in.
