Three Questions
Earlier today, my talented blog-friend Shug from Shug-Steps of Faith shared a thoughtful personal narrative titled "Lessons from the Fig Tree." She concluded with three reflective questions that encouraged us to reflect on our own lives. Instead of responding in her comments, I decided to explore these questions in a post on my blog.
Questions we need to ask ourselves:
1. Is there something in my life that I've been tempted to give up on too soon?
I've given up hope that my son and his wife will welcome a child. At 40 and 45, they’ve faced two miscarriages and have decided against artificial conception and adoption. I'm ashamed to admit, I no longer pray about it. It was more a matter of self-preservation on my part - I needed to come to terms with it. I needed to not fixate on it. Okay, I need to start praying again...and trusting God.
Then there is Genesis 18:14 that reminds us, “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?”
2. Where might I need more light?
Ephesians 5:8, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."
This equips me to walk in God's truth...
"I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6), emphasizing the importance of truth in our identity and daily lives.
3. How has God been preparing me in ways I didn't even notice?
God's work in my life is subtle, continually shaping me according to His perfect plan by:
- He renews my mind, aligning my thoughts with His truth, enabling me to see the world from His perspective.
- He uses my circumstances to build character and strengthen my faith even in challenges.
I trust that God is always at work in ways we may not see, and rest assured, that His plans for us are always good and perfect.
Debby
I have also come to the conclusion that our sons will probably never marry and so being a grandparent is not going to happen. That's okay as long as the boys are happy in their decision.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes think God works in us very quietly and at his own pace. My faith has deepened over the years and I find myself more contented than ever.
God bless.
I just want them to be happy too. They seem happy. And me wanting to be a grandparent and pestering them just isn’t my style. Either it happens or it doesn’t. It’s all in Gods hands. I’ll pray but I’m not going to let it consume me. I am a peace about it.
DeleteShug is the best at teaching fun lessons like this! She is a strong woman of faith, like you are. It is hard to know when we need to accept and make peace with something, or continue to pray and remain hopeful.
ReplyDeleteShe should write books.
DeleteThank you for these open and honest responses to those questions. One #1, I totally understand where you are in this. We do have one grandson, the son of our son who is now in heaven. Sadly we rarely hear from him (he's 25). He lives too far away to visit, and it breaks my heart that he doesn't even care enough to call us on birthdays, holidays, etc. Our other two sons will not be having any children now. The one that is married is already mid 50's, and his wife is 50. They married late in life. But we enjoy our two grandpuppies. Our youngest son has not married and at age 48, I don't see it happening, and even if he did, it's probably too late for children for him too. Although I should never say never, but I'm just being realistic. Miracles do still happen...my husband's brother and his wife married late, and had two children when they were in their 40's. I remember my mother in law's response when he said to her, "Mom, aren't you happy I finally have you some more grandchildren?", and she said, "Well yes, but did you have to wait until I was 80 to do it?" LOL. She enjoyed them until she died at age 95. So yes, miracles do still happen, but like you, I pray, "Not my will, but Thy will be done." God knows best.
ReplyDeleteThat is funny what your mother-in-law said. There's always HOPE. Foodie is 44 and still single. He enjoys his freedom
DeleteI enjoyed your answers to Shug's questions. I understand the giving up - I gave up on my daughter and SIL having a baby after they tried for almost 10 years. I must admit I quit praying too. But God! He blessed them when Heather was 37. I think your approach of praying but not pestering is just right.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing these stories. Navy is 40, and his wife is 45, and she seems convinced that she is done. So they have cats.
DeleteShug is a beautiful gal, and I get inspired by her daily. Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mother, became pregnant in her old age. You never know what the future holds. I like your answer to the "light" question. And I love the "Trust in God" sign. That's nice that you decided to explore these questions on your own blog, Debby.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Shug should write devotionals. I'm so glad we all can enjoy her and her insight
DeleteGreat posers, Debby. You've given me much to think about ... those things that actually matter. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYep, they do
DeleteI love this post. I've been diving into Scripture reading a lot, too, as I'm trying to figure things out, my latest read as I just posted in my blog is the book of Revelation. Although, I have come to realize with certain things, maybe we aren't meant to figure it all out. In our mind there are certain things we want to see happening but sometimes God has other plans and His way is always better, even if we may not see it just yet. I'm sure God has a very special blessing for your son and daughter-in-law, whatever that may be.
ReplyDeleteDawn, I'm excited for you as you explore the Book of Revelation! Remember, Jesus taught that the exact day of His return is a divine secret known only to the Father (Matthew 24:36). Meanwhile we can maintain a spirit of readiness and anticipation for Christ's return, living with purpose and hope as we await His glorious coming.
DeleteThese were amazing questions that Shug posed and I'm glad you tackled them with some personal answers here today, Debby. God will continue to grow us and mold us when we trust fully in Him. Thanks so much for your candor. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteAmen to that!
DeleteIt seems there are quite a few of us that are blog friends that are going through the same things, but different. I am happy be friends with you and all the women that are sharing life questions. about the baby, my friend had 3 sons, she had 6 grandchildren by 2 of the sons, her baby boy and his wife wanted a baby so bad. They were both mid 40's when Henry was born and 4 years later just before age 50, along came Graham. Henry just graduated high school and is a 2nd year in college, Graham is in highscool, and yes they are the oldest of all their kids friends parents and are loving it. If God so desires they will have a child, and if not there is a reason, that only God knows
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. From my mouth to God's ears...
DeleteI can understand . . . my granddaughter is so busy getting educated she has no time for a baby, {{sigh}} I'm happy for her, that she's moving several hours away to attend a college that fits her needs to earn a Masters Degree. But still . . . Then I have a grandson, recently married, and they have decided not have children, another {{sigh}}. Like you, I'm not going to fixate on it anymore, they are adults and the decision is theirs. I enjoyed visiting, hope you're having a great day.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary - love having you here! Both of my husband's daughters have chosen not to have children. Is there something in the water?
DeleteI think that is awesome that you took Shug's sermon and questions and really thought about them and answered them. I read them, but didn't do the work you did. I enjoyed reading your answers.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of a time I have given up too soon but I am sure this is something I have done at some point in my life. There are times I feel overwhelmed with life and feel I am stumbling around in darkness, this is when I ask God to shine his light and show me the way.
ReplyDelete