Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Edge of Eternity

This morning I read from Psalms 95:1-2 which says,

“O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord,
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.”

In light of Copeland’s miraculous birth yesterday, I am singing these words with all my heart. For those who have not checked the Farley’s webpage, I will give you a quick update. Copeland was born yesterday at 1pm breathing on her own! She is 4lbs and 17 inches, and she is going to be eating with feeding tubes for now. Praise Jesus!

For Nathan and me, this time surrounding Copeland’s birth has brought the reality of our situation a little closer to home. Poppy’s birth has seemed so distant up until now that it has been hard to think through the concrete realities surrounding it. However, as we have thought and prayed for the Farley’s, we have run a million scenarios through our minds and tried to literally imagine ourselves 10 weeks down the road when we also will be in the same spot. To be honest, it is quite daunting right now. I know that God will carry us when we get there, and seeing His faithfulness in the lives of the Farley’s yesterday is a beautiful confirmation of this to me. Yet, the unknowns are so stark. Right now I feel like I am in this constant tug-of-war between feeling so confident that God is in control and has a purpose in all of this that is mighty and amazing, and at the same time, feeling the insecurity of simply not knowing what will happen. The questions that poured through my mind yesterday never ended and they won’t have any answers until the time actually comes.

As I was thinking about all of this, a phrase came to my mind that I hadn’t thought about in years. When I was in high school, my grandfather preached a sermon series entitled “The Edge of Eternity” about living in the end times. His point was that Jesus might return at any moment, and so we as Christians are literally walking on the edge of eternity since at any second, we might suddenly find ourselves with our Savior. He was encouraging the body of Christ not to live in such a way as to assume that things must happen before Jesus can come. Instead, we ought to be living with the reality that any moment could be the one He comes, so we ought to be eagerly waiting and anticipating His return.

I know that the connection between the second coming of Jesus and Poppy’s life might seem a bit hard to follow, but yesterday when those words “the edge of eternity” entered my brain, I felt the full impact barrel into me. Every day, from today until December 10 and beyond, this is the “edge” we’ll be walking with Poppy. No moments are promised, and each one could be the last, but that doesn’t mean we live in fear as we anticipate the future! As this statement relates to Christians, it meant that we are to live in complete awareness so that we do not become lazy or apathetic to the world around us. I think the same is true for us in a sense. We need to be in a state of constant awareness of the fact that each moment of Poppy’s life is in God’s hands. Just as God knows the second Jesus will return, He also knows the timeline He has for Poppy on this earth. Not knowing is still hard, but I pray that you will join with me in remaining vigilant to lift her up to Jesus over the next 10 weeks and beyond, trusting Him to keep her until His perfect timing has come to take her home.

12 comments:

Elizabeth S said...

What a beautiful post. I will continue to pray for sweet Poppy and the two of you. Thank you for sharing your heart.

Laurie in Ca. said...

My prayers have been with you as the miracle of Copelands precious life unfolds. As a mother and now a grandmother, I have to tell you that I am so proud of you for choosing life for these fearfully and wonderfully made gifts of God. I do not understand why this must be, but I do know why he chose all of you to be the parents of these babies. Your hearts are His, willing to take the risk of walking the "Edge of Eternity" and this is no small thing to Him. The unknown can be a very fearful place as there are no answers for it until it arrives. But there is some comfort in knowing there is not one thing that is unknown to our Lord.
I recently read somewhere that trust would be so much easier if we could see the outcome. I guess that's why they call it faith. You have my heart but even more over the next weeks as December 10 comes close. May you have the peace that passes all understanding each day and rest in the knowledge he is forming Poppy Joy for His glory and your gift. I ask Him to replace all fear, anxiety and tug-of-wars with His Peace and Joy overflowing for you and above all, Hope. He will honor your faith and give you more, should your supply run a little low. He has a perfect plan for you and to bless you. Hold on to Hope of things to come.
Hugs and Prayers to you and love.
Laurie in Ca.

Anonymous said...

I love you and your precious family and I am interceding for you today. God is faithful. God is always faithful. All of my family in Florida is praying for you. Imogene went home to be with the Lord yesterday. We are all living on the edge of eternity, and I praise the Lord that he is using Poppy Joy to remind me of that everyday. Love always, Gator

Anonymous said...

You bless me. Thank you for your honesty as you firmly grip the Saviour's Hand in this. How reassuring that we as His children are safe in His grip, no matter how strong ours is from day to day. Praying for you and the precious life you carry.

Jessica said...

Thank you for your insight. I read them a lot, and pray for you just about every day. I sent you a card in the mail last week, but it was returned yesterday for some reason. I will bring it to church for you. Living with the attitude of 'edge of eternity' is a wonderful thing. We get things taken care of, keep ends tied as they should be, etc. It is a good way. It is that mindset that has taken me from some very dark days and I have chosen to live differently...while I sometimes horribly fail. I love you two, and will continue to pray for the all of you. Losing my daughter allows me to put a lot of intercession into my prayers that would not have been there otherwise. Enjoy the times you do have.

Love
Jessica

Jennifer said...

I just found your blog. I followed Elliot Mooney's story last year, now Copeland and Poppy's. What incredible testimonies of courage amidst the uncertainty of life you are. Praying for you in Georgia tonight!

JewelJan said...

Dear Angie,
It is interesting that you just bring up the "Edge of Eternity"
Guess what? Papa has been preaching on that series all this week on Love Worth Finding.
You are such an incredible person. I am so proud to have the privelege of being your Mom. Love, Mom

Livona said...

Angie - thanks again for sharing. I remember that sermon & I'm sure still have the notes. I'm reading a Karen Kingsbury book right now & the main character is carrying a baby with anecephaly. She cherished every moment with this child in her womb. All of this is constant reminder to me that none of us know how much time we have with our loved ones & we need to love them with everything we have. You are an amazing young woman. God Bless. Livona

Anonymous said...

Angie and Nathan, I've gained real insight from your words. Thank you...you are loved.

Anonymous said...

Angie,
You are such an amazing person. I know that I should be reading your blog to better find ways to encourage you through this experience, but instead I find that I am so blessed every time I read one of your posts. So glad you're my friend . . .

Anonymous said...

Craig and I are following along with your blog and praying for you. May God bless you as you walk this difficult path. Blessings.

Anonymous said...

Angie & Nathan: Please know there is a whole army out here who will lift you up in prayer and walk with you through your incredible journey. I pray for you everyday and as I listen to the great Adrian Rogers on the radio on my my way to work, I can't help but wonder if he is somehow preparing to meet his precious great-grandaughter. You inspire me with your words, your faith and your love and trust of the Lord. We are on our knees for you in Arkansas.