When Beth and I where planning our wedding ceremony we chose Proverbs 3 verses 5 through 6, one of my all time favor verses to quote.
It says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Back in August of 2008 I was ordained here at Northview Church. And while I went through the ceremony with a smile, nobody knew except the Lord, that I was crying in my heart.
Two weeks previous to that glorious ordination day, my wife and I received a diagnosis about our 17-week old baby that he was afflicted with a condition called Trisome 13, which means the presence of an extra (third) chromosome 13 in all of the cells. And this condition is not compatible with life outside the womb.
The commentator Mathew Henry says, “May we learn to obey and trust the Lord, even in tribulation; to live or die as he pleases: we know not for what good ends our lives may be shortened or prolonged.”
Beth and I where completely shocked when we heard the doctor reveal the life of our son would not endure long. To be completely open I thought I was exempt, immune, protected from such affliction, but not so. Proverbs chapter 3 is so poetic and romantic; to me it is so inspiring to hear “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight,” but now, needing to apply it in the midst of trial was sobering.
Nobody’s faith is immune from testing. I thought it strange that we where experiencing this trial, but the Bible says,
In 1 Peter 4:12-13
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
2nd - Beth and I are amazed that we didn’t fall apart during that trial. We actually became closer to the LORD and to one another in the midst that stormy season. This trial was lived out in the open and it could not be endured in secret. Not bothering others with our hurts, habits and hang-ups is so common, but so unhealthy.
This trial allowed us to see God working through our friends and family, Brookside Church, Northview Church and our Life Group as God demonstrated His love and compassion for us. We are now experiencing the body of Christ supporting and contributing to our calling to adopt a child.
Another calling, more trials, more grace, more joy.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
GRACE AND PEACE!
3 comments:
Hi Aaron! Thank you for your wisdom! J and I are so blessed to know both of you.
Thank you for sharing this. My husband and I recently went through a miscarriage. Like you, it was a very rough time and we were hurting so much. God brought us through and we learned so much through it. Thank you for sharing.
I LOVED his devotional ... so powerful! praying for you!
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