A Privileged Life Indeed

Those who call themselves believers are not exempt from suffering. The Christian life does not lead (as some have unfortunately taught) to perfect health, wealth, and prosperity. In fact, the Bible is very clear that we will endure hardships and face persecution. I have recently been studying 1st Peter for our Women's Bible study, and I was reminded that we will not only be "grieved by various trials," but they are sometimes "necessary" in order that the genuineness of our faith may be tested (1Peter 1:6-7). As always, God's timing is perfect. In His providence, I was meditating on these verses when Jonathan and I found out (a couple of weeks ago) that we were expecting. Seven days later I experienced a miscarriage. As with our first miscarriage (between Hannah and Madeline) I was able to find hope and comfort in the promise that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28). Not only is He working all things together for my eternal good and His glory, but He ordained each of my days on earth before they come to pass (Psalm 139:16). Though Jonathan and I were grieved for a moment over our loss, our hope is fixed on Christ, and the joy of our salvation. While we will not be sure of God's sovereign purposes this side of glory, I know that my faith was tested and proven (I had recently uttered the words, "I don't really feel as though my faith has been challenged since our move."), and we pray that God glorified Himself through our loss. Additionally, I was able to spend time reflecting on my life and the trials I have endured as a believer. I have come to the realization that I have lived a privileged life indeed! I can only recall three times in my Christian life, when I have been brought to my knees due to suffering. God is faithful to break me often, as I go about my day prideful and puffed up; but, I have not really been called to suffer. I am blessed.

While it is our desire to have more children (both natural and hopefully one day adopted children), we know that God is sovereign over life and He opens and closes the womb according to His plans, so we are trusting Him. Please pray with us that He will bless us again. Secondly, please pray for those who are in the midst of real suffering. Pray that God will sustain them and that He will be glorified.

Lastly, Justin and Jonathan have been preaching through John on Sunday mornings. For the last two weeks, they preached from John 11 (Justin from John 11:1-27 and Jonathan from John 11:28-57). God has used these last two sermons as a faithful reminder of His sovereignty over death, that Jesus is the life and the resurrection, and that as believers we are eternally secure in Christ. This should inform how we make our decisions, talk, pray, and interact with the people in our lives. If you would like to listen to these sermons you can link to them here.