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Since Janice is away for the weekend, I’m joining Heather in today’s Faith Builders Meme.
Discussion:
What thorns in your life are you thankful for today? How does Christ use those thorns to remind you of his Grace and Love? How do you personally use those thorns to minister to others?
When I think of my thorns, my infertility jumps out at me.
It took three and a half painful years of waiting as my body seemed to have no concept of how to conceive. Then one day the Lord blessed me with my ultimate dream — I became pregant and gave birth to my beautiful baby girl Julia.
Now again, my body seems to ignore my attempts to conceive.
But, it almost doesn’t even matter if I never become pregnant again. The Lord answered my prayers and brought us our blessed Julia. Most days I’m convinced I am the most thankful mother in the entire world. I know every mother loves her children, but I cannot begin to image how anyone could love a child as much as I love Julia.
After waiting so long for her, I think I will never take her for granted. Even when she keeps me up all night or fusses during the day, I am constantly praising the Lord for this miracle.
Although I’d like Julia to have a sibling, I am at peace and have handed the issue to the Lord. We continue to try, and I pray that His will be done, and I am at peace.
I can see clearly the blessing brought about by the wait. The Lord drew me closer to Him as I struggled to endure those barren years and now I cannot look at my daughter without part of me thanking and praising the Lord.
Also, before my struggle with infertility, I was competely unaware of the torture of an empty womb. The issue barely crossed my mind, but now I realize how common and painful it is. Although each woman’s suffering is different, I am thankful that I can relate in some way.
I’m also thankful that Julia and Jackson have an uncommonly strong bond as cousins. Since neither yet have siblings, they are brother and sister to each other. It is so sweet to watch Julia jump up and down with excitement as Jackson comes to the door in the morning. And Jackson loves his precious little cousin and in his prayers he continually thanks the Lord for her.
Interactive Faith Builders is a Monday meme at “Faith Lifts”. Click here to join in today’s discussion and don’t forget to sign the “Mr Linky” to let others know to visit your post.
Kilikina says
The thorn in my side is the one time I missed an opportunity to share Christ and the man died….I still regret that choice I made.
You can read about the story here if you want too!
Angee says
Susan, i can relate completely. I suffered through infertility also. that is why there is a 9 year space between my sons.
I knwo full well the agony of infertility and the wonderful gift when God chooses to open up the womb!!
Jenean says
Things that are hard earned become much more dear to us than if it were easily attained 🙂
Stacey says
I do think God takes us through things sometimes in order to help others going through the same thing. THis post was wonderful.
Diane says
What a great post….and great way to minister to others who are hurting! I have joined you all in this fabulous Faith Building day!
Blessings!
Diane
Heather says
Thank you so much for participating Susan! I have learned so much about you through this post- isnt it amazing how Christ can take the hardest of situations and teach us amazing lessons through them.
You are in my prayers friend!
Heather
Carol says
“I can see clearly the blessing brought about by the wait.”
I love this! How many blessings we miss out on when we refuse to wait and take matters into our own hands!
Erna says
Difficulty conceiving can be a hard battle. I didn’t face this circumstance but after miscarrying my first baby, I wondered if my womb would ever be able to carry a little one (I had known some who had multiple miscarriages and never conceived). Praise God for those He has allowed in my life and for the little one He has given you. I love hearing about how close Jackson & Julia are. How sweet!
Heather says
I know what you mean. Now I never had trouble conceiving (in fact as far as my my husband was concerned it was a bit soon each time) but I know what you mean about not realizing, realy, how something is until you have dealt with it yourself. I was a special ed teacher and knew all about kids with special needs, yet it was not until Rachel went through what she did, and is, that I grasped how the parents felt and even then I feel I only have had just a glimpse at what other parents have gone through. It certainly has developed some relationships which never would have eveloped otherwise.
Jessica says
This is a great question! I have had a not so good experience lately with a few folks and how inconsiderate some can be. This just teaches me how I need not to be. I also am not holding a grudge…I just am learning from this situation. Whenever in doubt…I look up…He knows the answer!