Like most married couples, my husband and I have had our share of highs and lows, particularly in our practice of Natural Family Planning. We are in a perpetual state of discerning whether or not to try to conceive a child, yet always open to receiving the gift of new life.
After the birth of our first child, we lived a season where we did not feel called to try to conceive. Eventually, though, the Lord put a strong desire on our hearts to try to grow our family.
In a worldly sense, the timing was all wrong: the completion of my husband’s doctoral degree was still hanging in the balance after taking months longer to complete than anticipated. He was still searching for a post-degree job, and we had no more room in our tiny, one-bedroom, New York City apartment. Yet, the Lord gave us peace.
When we did get pregnant with a daughter, we were full of joy.
As a Type-A personality who prefers things well-planned and (seemingly) under control, I remember the sense of surrender I felt. I placed my trust in Jesus daily and found great hope in recalling God’s faithfulness. He had been faithful before, and I held tight to His promise that He always would be.
I imagine this might be what allowed Abraham to obey when God asked of him the unimaginable (Genesis 22). Abraham knew God’s faithfulness. They shared a relationship rooted in faith, trust, and love. Abraham also understood that everything he had was a gift from God, freely given. Through this lens, the obedience we witness in Abraham is easier to understand.
Peter, James, and John heard the command to “listen to Him” as they experience Jesus’ Transfiguration (Mark 2). God calls us to obedience even when it’s challenging, inconvenient, or unpopular. With worldly eyes, these Scriptures may seem limiting, yet with eyes of faith, they are anything but. Today’s readings invite us to deeper love and greater freedom.
There is always more with our generous Lord, and in our faithfulness, He blesses us.
In our faithfulness, He blesses us. // @inendlesssongClick to tweet
Can you make one act of trust today? What can you turn over to the Lord?
LOVING GOD, LOVING OTHERS
A NEW WORKSHOP
COME BACK TO FIRST LOVE
