"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls."
1 Peter 1:6-9
We thank God for the trials we encounter in this life, because we are closer to God after we endure them. God's hand of mercy is ever present in the midst of a trial. His comfort and peace through hard times is not to be compared with any other comfort or good thing. He is all that we need. He gives us wonderful blessings, and he teaches us to depend on Him for everything we need through the trials we endure.
We are very sad to be losing our third baby. Yesterday at my ultrasound I was not surprised to see concern in Dr. Chancellor's face. God truly prepared my heart for bad news. The fact of the matter is, the ultrasound looked no different from three weeks ago. Our baby simply stopped growing weeks ago. We had a couple of options, and have decided to let my body naturally miscarry. It could take up to a month, but the process actually started early this morning. (We are so thankful for God's timing, my dear Mother-in-law came yesterday for a visit...is that perfect timing or what?)
I want you to know that this baby has changed our lives. Our future plans were to leave this fall to go to Malawi, Africa for up to three years. We are confident that God used this pregnancy to set our feet where they needed to be. He has focused our hearts on unreached people groups in Central Asia and we are now a part of the 2009 deployment instead of 2008. This will give Catharine some more time to grow and "catch up." (Not that we were worried, but it is a plus).
So in the midst of our sadness, we rejoice because we see the Lord. We are thankful for His timing, His ways, and His will. We praise Him regardless of our circumstances...He is always faithful! We will praise Him in the storm.
Thank you for your prayers and support. We are so thankful for wonderful family and friends that encourage and lift us up to the Father.
8 comments:
We are so very sorry for your loss. We love you guys and will keep praying for you. Thank you for being so honest and encouraging in your blog-your faith in God is so evident. Love you.
We just wanted you guys to know that we are praying for you. If there is anything we can do please don't hesitate to let us know. Your testimony is all for the glory of the Lord; thank you for sharing it.
In Him,
The Grieses
I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord give you strength and comfort and peace.
You are loved and admired more than you will ever know.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. You're in our prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss and your family is in my thoughts and prayers! Megan Dudash
Know that you are thought of and loved right now! You are most definitely in our thoughts and prayers. Please know we are a phone call away if you want to talk! Love you guys!
chandra, i just read your blog and heard the news. i am so deeply sorry. as you know, losing a baby to miscarriage is something that is familiar to us, and i will certainly be praying for yall according to the great truths and hope that God gave us...I rejoice with yall for letting the Holy Spirit do His job so well, by keeping your hearts full of trust and faith in His perfect and higher ways...although they are not our own, we stand in the truth that they are best, huh?!
Much love for yall, sister, and many prayers.
Call me if you ever want to talk to someone who has walked a similar road...to HIS glory.
Stephanie Lyon
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