Every Friday I join a community of bloggers for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt, five minutes. Unedited. The prompt this week is … Decide.
**I decided to edit and use a post from 2016 as it came so quickly to mind.**
A little over thirty five ago, I suspected I was pregnant. Even before my OB confirmed it, I heard him say, “But don’t get your hopes up. Don’t expect this one to go full term.â€
I had a choice to make – would I believe my doctor or believe that God is able?
I decided to believe that my God was able to protect, keep, and grow the baby inside of me.
Bedridden for nine months, I looked forward to my day out for my scheduled OB appointments. Without fail, he would try to encourage me but always managed to say, “Remember, don’t get your hopes up.â€
Several times a day, I saw the visible “red†sign taunting me of the inevitable.
With the support of my family and dear friends who prayed, tended to my first child, brought food and kept me company, I had to decide, each and every day, to believe God.
On April 1st – Good Friday, thirty five years ago, I gave birth to my 9 lb. 2 1/2 oz. son, who was perfectly healthy.
The lesson became fixed in my life:
When having to make a decision – decide to trust God.
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.†(Deuteronomy 31:6, NASB)
What a story of faith and believing that God is truly in charge of our lives!
On the night the angels came
to take me home to Heaven’s flow,
and the Lord God called my name,
I decided not to go,
for Barb was sick and needed care,
and the biggest thing was just
that although I am quite aware
that I have to let go and trust,
I really couldn’t make the leap,
so I pushed Heaven’s grace away
so that my promise I could keep
that to the bitter end I’d stay
right here, right now, by the side
of my most beloved bride.
I have just been through the experience of friends of my son’s, who were told by the hospital that their baby would not be born alive. We all prayed and the child is thriving and was baptised last Sunday. It was an emotional day and difficult to capture in words. Thank you for your post.
Thank you, Andrew, for your response. At the end of the day it is God’s love for us and ours for him, and those he gives us, that counts. Bless you both.
What a beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness, abounding grace, and strength as you persevered through nine months of bed rest and monthly non-encouragements from your doctor. God is so good, Joanne!
I see why this story came to mind so quickly, Joanne. A powerful reminder!
A beautiful message of faith and courage, and a reminder it is our choice to decide to trust in our Lord. Thank you, Joanne.
What a beautiful reminder to trust God! It reminds me of the post I posted on my blog the other day.
what a beautiful story and testimony! Deciding to trust God is always the right choice! Visiting from FMF#12
Thanks for sharing your story, Joanne! I’m glad you were able to make the decision to trust in God and that your son was healthy.
Thank you for dusting this off and sharing it again. Such a great word on the benefits of trusting God in every situation.🌸
Beautiful testimony, Joanne.
Thanks for sharing it again. I really needed to hear it today.