A New Season

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

1 Peter 2:9

It was about this time last year when a fertility specialist told me I would never be able to conceive a child naturally. Today I sit here, 19 weeks pregnant, completely in awe by our little miracle baby that loves to wiggle and squirm. Nearly every day I tell my husband, "I still can't believe I'm pregnant! How's this possible? We have another baby on the way!" The truth is (logically & biologically speaking), this pregnancy never should have happened ... BUT God!

This blog was birthed out of transformation. A season of my worst sorrow turned into overflowing joy. God set me on a path I never would have chosen, ultimately revitalizing and restoring my faith through a journey of infertility. The truth is bad things happen, but God is so much bigger than the worst situations of our lives.

In a world that propels negativity, perfectionism, and hopelessness, I find that I must guard my heart and shy away from the ugliness that so easily creeps into the news, social media feeds, and circumstances. This doesn't mean I play ignorant to what's taking place in the world. I am acutely aware of the realities that breed hopelessness because I witness them daily, particularly while living in Thailand. I feel too deeply, so I'm learning to protect the good seeds God places in my heart. Paul writes:

"So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always." Philippians 4:8 (TPT)

Just like you, I'm on a journey. I don't have the answers or claim to have it all together. There's a LOT I'm working on personally. What I do know is that in the last year Jesus reached down and pulled me from the lowest point in my life and undeniably restored my heart, mind, soul, and strength. When a defining moment like that occurs, everything changes!

If I could encourage you today, I would say don't allow your circumstances to define you. Make room for the impossible. Open the deepest, most guarded parts of your life to Jesus and allow God to miraculously heal your heart and your pain. Even if He seems distant now, it won't feel that way forever. He will intervene and reveal His faithfulness to you. We are not enough on our own, but through God's grace, He empowers us to be He very own, chosen, royal, and holy people. You are the His chosen treasure. Jesus promises to not only bring us out of darkness, but completely restore us into His image. When you surrender to His will, you will see and experience His wonders in your life.

Lord Jesus, be with my friends, who walk the tough paths of life. You are the only One, who can give us strength in our weakness. You are the only One, who can restore our souls. For those who feel hopeless because life has thrown them so many curve balls, disappointments, and pain, I pray that You make Your comfort and presence real to them in these difficult days. You are real and You love us so abundantly. Help us not to forget that in the struggles we face and the pain we endure. Reveal who You are to my friends - our Shepherd, our Savior, our Healer, and our Redeemer. Thank you for pursuing us, even when we choose to run so far from You. In Jesus' name, amen.