Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Encouragement From The Story Of Hannah

My heart is so full, I don't know where to begin! My friend, Callie, has been a huge encouragement to me during a time when my body hasn't been working right, I've been stressed out, trying to praise God through the storm and stay positive that God's plan will prevail. Tonight, Callie shared a link with me for a sermon on Hannah and motherhood. (Here's the link to the sermon, and it's a free download) I listened to the message as I prepared beef stew for a crockpot dinner for tomorrow night. I was vaguely familiar with the story of Hannah, but now I know so much more than I did before! It just hit me that 1) God puts the right people in your life at the right time, as only He can do and 2) How crazy awesome is it that a women who lived thousands of years ago went through the same thing as me and God cared enough to put her story in His Word to encourage me today?!

I've always wanted to be a mom. Ever since I was probably 6 or 7 years old, I've counted down the years until I thought I might be married and have a family. Sometimes, it seems like fewer and fewer women my age look forward to being moms for various reasons and I feel kinda like a weirdo for having such an insatiable desire to have children. It breaks my heart and infuriates me all at the same time when people, especially Christians, tell me that I can't afford to raise more than two kids or that it's just so difficult to have a "big" family. I'm not going to go down that path because this post will never end...

Hannah had an insatiable desire to have children, too, but she was barren. Her husband loved her and understood her pain and sadness, but he still decided to marry another woman who could give him children. Still, Hannah prayed and believed for a child, and God heard her and she had Samuel. And she rejoiced! Oh, how she praised the Lord! And then, God gave her 3 more sons and two daughters. I don't want to lose faith. I want to rejoice in all things, like Hannah. Sure, she wept, she was sad, she probably threw herself a huge pity party once in a while, too. She and I would have probably been good friends. Her story gives me so much hope, that, even though I struggle to stay positive sometimes, even though I have bad moments where I can't stop crying, God has the perfect plan for me and Alex and that we will become parents in His perfect timing. Looking back, I'm glad that things didn't happen the way we thought they would. God has used these last few months to teach me so much about my attitude, relationships and more. And I'm so thankful to have awesome friends there beside me to encourage me, pass down maternity clothes and baby gear for when my time comes, share Scriptures and sermons, and pray with me. God truly puts the right people in our path right when we need them, and for those people, I am so grateful.

5 comments:

  1. This post just made my heart swell! I love your godly attitude about this whole thing, Amanda, and I'm so glad that sermon helped you too! Praying for you!

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  2. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything! :) You've blessed me so much!

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  3. Amanda,

    You don't know me, and I hope this doesn't come across as creepy (lol) but I found your blog through a friends blog. I just wanted to let you know that this post was incredibly encouraging to me and I know God brought me to your page for a reason.

    I too am struggling with not getting pregnant. My husband and I want a child so badly, but each month that goes by, our hearts are broken again as we realize now is not the time for us. I have struggled with being angry with God over it, which is not where I want to be.

    Reading this was so encouraging to me, and reminded me that God knows my heart, he loves me, and he will get me through this. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing.

    God Bless,

    Kayla

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  4. Kayla,

    That's not creepy at all! I met Callie through a friend's blog, too, and she has been a great encouragement to me as well. God certainly knows how to get us women together to stand with one another and believe for the desires of our hearts.

    You're definitely not alone in this time and I feel your pain and frustration! If I've learned anything through these last few months it's that God is faithful and His plans for our lives are perfect. Sure, I get mad, sad, disappointed, and everything in between and I question His plans, but I still know that He is God and that in the end, He will give me this deepest desire of my heart. I whole-heartedly believe that He will bless you and your husband, too! I'll be praying for you and your husband! I'm so glad that you were encouraged! -Amanda

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  5. Amanda,

    I loved your post and loved your willingness to share openly about your pain. Sometimes I feel like my blog is just one big pain-fest and I am a crazy person. Even though our "issues" are different, I can relate to struggling with wanting something so badly that you can't have (right now). You really are so tough and I admire your fortitude!!!

    Love ya!

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