Infertility, Prodigals & Abortion
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
PSALM 127:3-5
This psalm is a beauitful picture of the valuable gift that God has declared all children to be. Intrinsic value, personal and functional value and potential for wonderful blessings.
But what about when the mere thought of children brings you intense pain? Whether due to infertility or singleness you may be wondering, "Where is my gift of children?" Or if your children have turned their back on you and your faith, you may be thinking, "What sort of arrows are they? What did I do wrong?" Or lastly, if you have had an abortion you may be struggling to see how God can value children's lives and still value you.
What do you do if your arrows never came, were broken or got lost along the way?
Here are some articles that address each of these situations. I hope you will be encouraged, challenged and filled with the grace and hope that God provides in Christ.
Infertility
"Don't Waste Your Infertility" by Courtney Reissig
I don't know the outcome of my journey of infertility. Right now, I know that I've still got a road ahead of me that needs to be traveled. I don't know where you are, either. But I do know this: no matter where we are in the journey of infertility, God has a sure and good purpose for us.
"To the Barren One on Mother's Day" by Colleen Chao
God met me in my emptiness with strong words that forever changed me. He sang Isaiah 54 over my longings, and as I clung to this Scripture through those waiting years, its truths were engraved into the marrow of my soul.
Difficult Parenting & Prodigals
"8 Ways to Persevere in the Parenting Marathon" by Chap Bettis
Family discipleship (and the Christian life) is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. You may be at mile 1, 18, or 25. Others can encourage you along the way, but ultimately you’re running for an audience of One. You are not competing against anyone else.
"Loving Your Prodigal" by Jeanette Gardner Littleton
Sometimes children question their faith in a way that can be nerve-wracking for parents but is a natural part of growing up and making faith their own. At other times, kids make a series of bad choices but don't walk away from God. Some kids, however, rebel against parents, God and anyone else who gets in their way. No matter the scenario, it can be a time of stress, anxiety and heartbreak.
"Let Them Come Home" by Abraham Piper
Your rebellious child’s real problem is not drugs or sex or cigarettes or porn or laziness or crime or cussing or slovenliness or homosexuality or being in a punk band. The real problem is that your child doesn’t see Jesus clearly. The best thing you can do for rebellious children–and the only reason to follow any of these suggestions–is to show them Christ.
Abortion
"Finding Forgiveness After My Abortion" by Garrett Kell
Jesus entered into my broken world and gave comfort when I deserved condemnation. He gave love where I withheld it. He gave mercy where I acted murderously. Why? One reason is so I can share his grace with others facing similar sorts of brokenness.
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I hope these articles have been an encouragement to you, but don't walk through these issues alone. Talk with your pastors and your small group so that you can be surrounded by the people whom God has placed in your life to pray and encourage you.
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