I have meant to post about the amazing story behind this pregnancy for months, but between pregnancy and a couple of moves, time got away from me. So, before this chick comes, you have got to hear this story!!
Now starts the fun. Ok, "God, wow. That is a complete miracle (as if every pregnancy isnt)" I was so incredibly overwhelmed by this miracle--the fact that I clearly heard God tell me to stop being in control, that He would provide...then BAM. Pregnant. So I settle in, then start worrying again. "Now, we would be totally fine in this house, we really would...we can make it work....but if I'm gonna homeschool all these peeps, we really need another bedroom and some more space....so....we pray you will provide what you want for us. Help us sell this house if it is your will for us to move." Meanwhile thinking----yea....there are a million houses for sale in our neighborhood, and John wants to sell by owner--this aint happenin anytime soon.
House goes on the market by owner. We figure we will give it a try and see if we get any bites. The first family that walked through, asked to walk through a second time, and bought the house. Ok wow. Ok, house is sold...we haven't really looked at houses because we didn't want to get our hopes up. We go around town and see a few with the amazing realtor and friend Rob Abercrombie #shamlessplug, and don't really see what we think we need for what we can afford. We get a call from some of our good friends that a house next door is "coming soon"...so it's worth a call to see what that's all about. Ok, long story short, we snagged the house next door to some of our close friends. Not that it matters, or maybe it does...but it was the exact layout that we had talked about would be our "dream"...
Jesus saw a crowd of people and went up onto the mountain and began to teach. This was referred to his most well known teaching, Sermon on the Mount.
Luke 12
Do Not Worry
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?27 “Consider how lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom
Christ’s example which used lilies of the field was part of the “Do Not Worry” section of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus began this section by asking the crowd why they worried about clothes. Why did they worry about if they would have what they need? Then, Christ gave the example of the field lilies, saying that if God cares to clothe the grass of the field so beautifully with the lily, how much more does he care about your needs? If we first seek God’s kingdom and righteousness, then God will give to us everything else we need. He provides. He sees us. He is faithful. Do we deserve what He gives? Definitely not. But his character never changes, He is good and He shows so much grace.
In John 16:33 Jesus says "In this world we will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world." In Isaiah it talks about how WHEN we pass through the waters, He will be with us. The waves won't over take us. WHEN we walk through the fire we will not be burned. He doesn't promise that we will not walk through difficult circumstances--but He does promise that He will walk with us through them. He is in control and that doesn't change when our circumstances do. Regardless of our circumstances, we are commanded to trust. He is bigger than our circumstances, and His plan reaches far beyond our perspective.
So, we will be welcoming little Lily November 1st (if not sooner) Lily will always represent to our family God's faithfulness, provision and grace during a season of life that has been most difficult to trust. Sadie's expectant prayers for Lily have challenged me and will always challenge me to pray with a pure expectant faith. To recognize that He hears us, He sees us, and He wants us to trust in Him. Sadie was not that surprised when we told her we were expecting. She had been praying, and had felt that God already told her that He was going to provide. How often do we hear this from God, but still doubt that He will provide?
So, we will be welcoming little Lily November 1st (if not sooner) Lily will always represent to our family God's faithfulness, provision and grace during a season of life that has been most difficult to trust. Sadie's expectant prayers for Lily have challenged me and will always challenge me to pray with a pure expectant faith. To recognize that He hears us, He sees us, and He wants us to trust in Him. Sadie was not that surprised when we told her we were expecting. She had been praying, and had felt that God already told her that He was going to provide. How often do we hear this from God, but still doubt that He will provide?
Will God take away my mom's physical disease on this earth? I don't know His plans, and can't see the full picture, but I know He sees Mom, He created her and loves her and sent His son to give His life for her. He sees us. He hears our prayers. He is walking with us. What I do know is He has the power to heal her body, whether here on Earth or by taking her to be with Him, and we have to trust that He is good and has a plan--He will provide and that He walks with us all. We are grateful that although we walk through the most difficult season of life, He has given us a constant reminder of His faithfulness and provision.
"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed. For his compassions never fail, they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness!" Lamentations 3:22-23