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Infertility and My Faith

I will never give up hope or stop praising you. All day long I will tell the wonderful things you do to save your people. But you have done much more than I could possibly know. I will praise you, LORD God, for your mighty deeds and your power to save.

[Psalm 71:14-16 CEV]

Mia Nayeli writes:

It has been a long road for my husband and me. We have been married for 4 years and for 2 of those years we have been trying to have a baby. We love each other madly, but love God even more and have been desiring to be parents since the moment we knew we were made for one another.

Recently a few friends of mine (both who had been trying to get pregnant) got pregnant, one unfortunately lost her baby and it brought so many things into perspective. Not that she lost her child, but her reaction to this. She mourned her loss, but continued to give God all the glory. It baffled me a little bit. Even as a Christian and believer, I couldn’t fathom loosing a child and still remaining hopeful in the midst of it.

It brought His word to life… the stories of Sarah and Rebekah, Hannah and even Samson’s mother who is not named, but is known to not have had children until God said she would. I have come to realize that nothing that happens is just coincidence, nor are we put on Earth to try and decipher His will, but to follow it.

I know our time will come one day, and when it does we will be over the moon. But until that time no matter what comes I still must rejoice in Him. Doesn’t mean that we wont have moments of sadness or of hurt, but that we trust that He will see us through them.

Story posted on Monday, June 15th, 2009 and is filed under Bible, God's Love, Hope, Your Stories, Prayer, Grace, Christian Families, Struggles, Life Verse. | 1 Comment »

Showing My Friends My Faith

“The LORD will lead you into the land. He will always be with you and help you, so don’t ever be afraid of your enemies. “

[Deuteronomy 31:8 CEV]

Mauri writes:

Some of my friends and I have started sending bible verses to each other everyday for encouragement, and this is one I sent one day. This has helped me so much lately.

I have a best friend that is going through depression (at 13 I might add). She also has lost all faith and belief in God. She says she’s mentally incapable of believing that God could fix all of this, and that it’s hard to trust in someone who she’s not sure even exists.

It scares me to death to wake up every morning and there being a possibility of her being gone. But it’s even scarier to think of where she’d going if that happens. I told my youth leader about her depression and the harm she does to herself, and he told her parents. She actually has a doctor’s appointment next week.

But anyway, his whole situation has definitely helped me in my walk with God. I’ve had to work extra hard to live my life as a Christian, because this situation brought me to the realization that the way you act does affect other people.

The other night, I almost gave up. I’ve been living the Christian life around her, I’ve brought God up around her almost everyday, I’ve shown love and care, everything I’m told to do..but it seemed like nothing was working. I felt like every effort I was putting forth to help her was pointless.

I started thinking more on this verse though, and it hit me. God’s leading everything for me, I just have to go along. He knows what will come out of the situation. Satan tried to discourage me, but I finally realized that I shouldn’t be discouraged if I’m doing something for the glory of God.

Story posted on Thursday, February 12th, 2009 and is filed under Praise, Bible, God's Love, Hope, Your Stories, Suicide, Mentoring, Struggles, Evangelization, Prayer, Life Verse. | 1 Comment »

Confronting My Weakness

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery…I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

[Galatians 5:19,21 CEV]

Cordero writes:

The flesh is weak. Those few words have impacted me so much.

I am a teenage boy always trying to live as a strong man of God. I accepted Jesus Christ as our savior and the son of God many years ago, but the devil has placed major sins in my life, one of them being pornogrpahy.

Struggling with this for at least two years now, I’m beginning to understand how the devil works. He pulls the flesh in through a simple image. This sparks the flesh to search for more. Once the devil has the flesh far enough over the will, he brings in disgust. There is a point where the flesh becomes less sexually appealed, and begins to be self-abusive. Guilt. Disgust. Embarressment. All works of the devil.

How are we to overcome this? KNOW, that the flesh is weak. Though we may stumble, we are children of God. What more to life do we need? There is no need for guilt. We are so blessed with this.

These terrible images and pornography are not who we are. This is the flesh. We are men and women of God. We could have nothing, but have everything. The devil can try, and try, and try, but he will not obtain us. God is stronger and so are we. Praise the Lord for He is life.

The devil targets those he know will be great in God and will do whatever it takes to bring us down, but the knowledge that I am a child of God brings me peace in knowing that the devil will never obtain me and I will forever be directed by God. May our spirits succeed in Him. Amen.

Story posted on Monday, February 2nd, 2009 and is filed under Bible, Hope, Your Stories, Prayer, Overcoming sin, Struggles, Life Verse. | No Comments »

Unevenly Yoked and Struggling

“If your husband or wife isn’t a follower of the Lord and decides to divorce you, then you should agree to it. You are no longer bound to that person. After all, God chose you and wants you to live at peace. And besides, how do you know if you will be able to save your husband or wife who isn’t a follower?”

[1 Corinthians 7:15-16 CEV]

Shameika writes:

My husband of 3 years and the father of our two young children (ages 3 & 1 1/2) left 2 months ago saying he wanted a divorce. I am saved and I have had a relationship with God for years now. My husband is unsaved, however struggling to obtain a realtionship with God and to live a holy and separated life.

He believes in His word. He studies and he tries to apply God’s word to his life “with his words”. However, he is hindered with lust of the flesh and the worldly mindset he’s developed. When he left me I was shattered. I found out he’d been seeing another woman that is christian who he claims to have lead him to Christ and that he has developed a “spiritual connection” with her.

I was hurt. So bad. My spirits were broken. My heart was broken. I went on a 7 day consecration with the Lord. I needed guidance. I wanted to be right in God’s sight. I love my husband with Agape love. He was so cold to me. I fell on my face to God and cried out for strength and for wisdom. He showed me myself. He ministered to my spirit and led me to know that I needed to change me first.

I was saved, but I had areas that needed destroying. My flesh. My own will. My pride. My EMOTIONS. And then he dropped in my spirit I Corinthians 7:15-16. I realized through God’s word and then confirmation from my spirit and other men and women of God that there was no need for me to be desperately holding on to my husband. To let him leave.

Recently…he has expressed his apologies and the desire to work things out in our marriage. He is still struggling with salvation. He is still undelivered from his flesh, selfishness and pride. Therefore, this is subject to happen again. I am standing on God’s Word and following his instructions to not be unequally yoked. However, I need to be in the perfect Will of God. I am continuing to pray, fast and see God for direction. It is one day at at time. Please keep me in prayer.

Story posted on Thursday, January 15th, 2009 and is filed under Bible, God's Love, Hope, Sadness, Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Christian Families, Struggles, Prayer, Life Verse. | 2 Comments »

My Verse Gets Me Through

“Jehovah is my strength and my shield; My heart hath trusted in him, and I am helped: Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; And with my song will I praise him.”

[Psalm 28:7 ASV]

Marie writes:

This verse was given to me shortly after I came to a Christian Recovery Program. It has become the very verse that I live by and stand firm on. Because He is the only One who can give me the strength I need to get through.

Story posted on Saturday, December 27th, 2008 and is filed under Praise, Bible, God's Love, Hope, Drugs & Alcohol, Your Stories, God's Sovereignty, Struggles, Prayer, Life Verse. | 1 Comment »

I Am Struggling

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”

[Matthew 22:37 NIV]

Nicole writes:

i dont know why but i always loved that phrase because i do love god with my heart,soul,and mind but i think im not needed, that it would be easier if i was gone so i wouldnt feel the pain.My friends just made it worse by being mad and scared and by that it just put more pain on me with their anger.When i was a little girl my parents got divorced,my brother who i loved so very much was stealing , i felt like it was all my fault even if it truly wasnt. yet i couldnty help thinking. I know god loves me but the pain of what ive been through in my life hurts and now im still thinking about suicide and my brothers in prison. I looked up to my big bro but maybe people wouldnt care if i was gone. im getting help for my depression and i promise i will try!!

Story posted on Friday, December 19th, 2008 and is filed under Loneliness, Sadness, Your Stories, Suicide, Struggles, Prayer, Life Verse. | 2 Comments »

I Know I Need To Let Go

“Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow will end.”

[Isaiah 60:20 NIV]

Corinne writes:

It has been quite some time since I have shared where I am today with my Faith and grieving the loss of my daughter Olivia. I have been feeling so much pain, depression and darkness in my life. My son continues with his drug abuse, creating chaos in our home. I feel so overwhelmed that I have been unable to work. I have been off for two months, seeking therapy. Tonight, as I write this, my heart feels broken, my eyes feeling up with tears. Then I remembered that my mom’s friend shared Isaiah 60:20 with me. I have been mourning for four years. Yes, I have had good days. I have had days where I felt the Lord’s presence so strongly. Yet, my grief has continued and not allowed me to move forward in the direction that God wants me to go. He wants me to find my Joy, so here I am, writing again. I feel peace and healing when I write about our God. I know that my daughter is in Heaven with Jesus. I know that she is happy, no longer suffering. I’ve made a decision tonight to let go and allow God to begin my spiritual healing. I also need to let my son go, as I did once before, and let God take over. I so want to feel alive again but I know I can’t do this alone. Tomorrow begins the journey of my Spiritual Journey. I know in my heart that with God there isn’t anything I can’t do. I want my life back. I want God to open the new windows of my life. I know that God has work for me to do; now I just have to let him begin the process. I am the clay and he is the potter.

I thank the American Bible Society for their website which allows me to share what I am going through and how God will carry me through.

Story posted on Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 and is filed under Hope, Sadness, Death, God's Love, Bible, Struggles, Prayer, Your Stories, God's Sovereignty. | 1 Comment »

God Set Me Free

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

[John 8:36 NIV]

Darin writes:

I played games with God. I would sin, just a little bit, to where guilt would not be a problem, but the pull of God would be more distant. When we Christians give ourselves to the things of this world, we give our authority to Satan. Although not all health problems are because of this issue, I believe mine were.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) began to develop in 1996. It causes the sympathetic nerves to over-fire, which causes swelling, poor circulation, muscle and bone deterioration, and it is very painful. I had seven doctors that diagnosed the condition and an array of medical test and treatments.

I worked for ten years with that pain. There were times when I could not sit still in a chair because my body went into emergency mode and it was impossible to sit still with that much pain. I worked through all of that, but when the medications started to make it impossible to concentrate or even remember conversations, I knew that I was in trouble. The final straw was two automobile accidents from falling asleep at the wheel. No longer could I work. I had a degree with several honors, but all of that was worthless. Everything in my life was affected. Many people are heartless when it comes to poor health, especially in churches. Thank God, I knew I always had some hope, Jesus Christ.

I submitted to God and started writing. Submission and digging daily into God’s word started to stir something inside me. I could not pray because of the inability to concentrate. However, I just started telling God, “God I Love You”. Finally, my prayer life began to deepen and my love for God grew.

I had written several chapters of a book, but I could not remember what I wrote even the previous day and tended to copy thoughts. In May of 2007, something rose up in me, that was in me, but not me. It was the Holy Spirit, cursing Satan aloud, with the word of God. “You have no authority over this body Satan, this body belongs to God.” “You were defeated on Golgotha and you are still defeated here this day.” “Satan, you are under my feet.” “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” It was attacking with the two-edged sword without stopping.

I told my wife that we were going to pray, much as we did many times before. I said, “God, you called me to write this book, but I cannot even remember what I wrote yesterday. I am doing my part; I need you to help me.” Suddenly, I felt it lift off me and I quickly fell asleep. I slept the first entire night that I had in over 10 years! The next morning I awoke, rested, without any pain. I started to stop taking all of the medications.

Satan knows when he is in trouble! A couple of days after my healing, the pains started again. I would go to my prayer room every time that it happened, and Satan was defeated repeatedly.

I will never forget the trip to see the doctor for the first time, being healed. The Doctor came in and I told him what had happened. He said, “Now, I am a Christian, a Methodist, but I have only had one person healed like that in my practice and it did not last. I will believe it if it lasts through the winter.” The doctor went on to ask me if I had any withdrawals from stopping all of those narcotic medications that I had been on for over 10 years. When I told him that I had not, he said, “that tells me what a strong person you are.” My strength did not come from me, but my savior!

It has been over a year and I still cry when I write or tell this story to others, but I will not stop until everyone knows that Jesus Christ is a loving, saving and healing Savior!

Story posted on Monday, December 15th, 2008 and is filed under Praise, God's Love, Hope, Your Stories, Prayer, God's Sovereignty, Christian Families, Struggles, Life Verse. | 1 Comment »

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all Men

“You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”

[Acts 10:36 NIV]

One of my favorite Christmas songs growing up was “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Hearing Andy Williams croon this song was a big sign for me that Christmas time was right around the corner. At the time my family lived in California and you could feel the crispness in the air and everybody seemed so happy and joyful.

As I grew older Christmas became the time to visit my folks (now in Florida) and time to buy everyone on my list a nice present that wouldn’t break my pocket. But still the magic of Christmas would captivate my heart. The songs especially. As I write this I’m listening to Israel Haughton and Cece Winans singing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

There is no denying that Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year. We know that Christ’s birth didn’t exactly happen on the 25th of December, but it’s a day we get to reflect and rejoice on our King’s birth. Jesus Christ came in the purest form to Earth as a babe and came to bring us the greatest gift of all… salvation.

We live in a time of insecurity, of doubt, of economic strife and war… for some it may not be a time to celebrate, but mourn. Let’s together pray for one another and remember to be there when the spirit calls.

During this time of the year let’s reflect on the following:

- What does Christmas mean to you?
- What Christmas song is your favorite?
- How do you and your loved ones celebrate this special time of the year?
- What is your favorite Christmas memory?
- What is the message of Christ teaching you today?

Let this Christmas season bring peace on Earth, and goodwill to all men, even if just for this moment.

Story posted on Monday, December 15th, 2008 and is filed under Bible, Praise, God's Love, Hope, Team Corner, Your Stories, Prayer, God's Sovereignty, Grace, Christian Families, Struggles, Evangelization, Life Verse. | 2 Comments »

I Am Longing For A Child

“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”

[Psalm 27:13-14 NIV]

Natecia writes:

This verse alone impacted me because this is what I sometimes go threw, I need to know when to be still and to be patient and wait on the Lord. Me and my husband are trying for a child and sometimes I get inpatient I need to repeat this verse to help me get threw my tough times.

Story posted on Friday, December 5th, 2008 and is filed under Your Stories, God's Love, Prayer, Struggles, Christian Families, God's Sovereignty. | 5 Comments »