Strength from God’s Word
When going through tough stuff, we cannot rely on faith that just looks in from afar, we have to dig in and dig deep to really connect with God and His word. That is how strong relationships are formed on Earth; why would it be any different with our heavenly Father. Here are some devotionals that might give you insight and help you to dig deep into God’s word to establish a lasting relationship with Him that give true strength.
You just found out you are expecting a baby. Your dreams of a future with this new bundle of joy grow and your excitement mounts. As a expecting parent, you dream of perfect scenarios. The last words you expect or want to hear, are that your unborn child has a life-threatening disability or even worse that your unborn child has passed away. The questions of “Why?”, “How?”, “Why me?” plague your mind.
Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” John 21:20-22
Do you remember the moment you first heard the words, “You are going to be a Father?” I’m sure you had your share of emotions: joy, excitement, anxiety and nervousness. “Is this really happening?’’ “How will I do this?” “I’m now responsible for a little life!” Most of all, I’m sure your deepest desire and greatest fear was to be a good father, to provide for, protect, and nurture your growing child.
Baseball is in the air. We are at the end of the 2019 World Series and I have watched an October full of great baseball. The Houston Astros are in their third world series in two years, and have won over 100 games each of those three years. Yet, as I watch, I cannot help but draw parallels between the Houston Astros and my experience with pregnancy loss as a father.
I don’t like baseball. I am certain that I just ostracized myself from a large number of people, especially since we are in the postseason, but hear me out. Though I am not a fan of bat sports in general, there is an underlying idea from baseball that I really don’t like. “Three strikes and you’re out.”
Roughly a year ago this month, I made a life decision to change my profession and my family started a new chapter. I did not have a job lined up and we were living with a relative on their second floor. Job application after job application went out with no response. My family, especially my kids, felt cooped up and, to be honest, my anxiety grew every day.