It has been over two months now since we got the news about Poppy, and we have two months from today still to go until her birth. I must say that up to this point, I have considered myself in a mode of getting ready for the battle to come. I have thought of this period as the peace before the storm, and I have been trying to do everything I can to ask God to prepare me for when the heavens break. While I definitely think there is truth to this, I also realized for the first time yesterday that in a way, I am fighting the biggest part of the battle right now.
My sister wrote me last week and told me that she had been thinking of the story of Abraham and Isaac, and the strong correlation it has to the situation we are going through right now. God comes to Abraham and asks the unthinkable: that he sacrifice his son, the son of God’s promise, on an altar. The amazing thing is, Abraham obeys God! He makes all of the preparations, takes Isaac, and already has Isaac strapped down to the alter before God stops him and provides a ram as a substitute. I immediately saw the connection. It is true that Nathan and I don’t really have a choice like Abraham did about whether to offer her up, because her medical condition renders us completely helpless to heal her by our own power. However, we do have a choice about attitude. We can choose to give her willingly to God and have faith in Him, or we can choose to fight Him, resent Him, and live in anger against Him. Like Abraham, I want to give her to God willingly, trusting in His love even when His plan doesn’t make sense.
But it wasn’t until yesterday that I realized another application in this story that I had missed. It hit me that Abraham did not win the battle when God provided the substitute sacrifice; rather, he won the battle when he began walking up that mountain with all of his supplies, including his son, but without any of the foreknowledge of God’s deliverance. He had so much faith in God, that he was willing to obey even when the future was completely unknown and bleak. This is exactly where we stand right now, in the midst of an unknown but ominous future. And it is now that I can place my full faith in God and His goodness, wisdom, and love and say, “I trust you God, to do whatever you are going to do with my baby, even though I don’t know what that means. I give her to you unconditionally.” My battle must be won before we ever reach the delivery room. It must be won right now in my heart through faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God…” and that means that if I am going to please Him in the midst of my storm, I must do it right now by placing my complete trust in Him. Yesterday, I realized something that I hope I remember and come back to my entire life: Faith is the victory.
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9 comments:
Hi Angie, I was just stopping by to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Your post today is one that I think of often in times like these. To see Abrahams obedience to give his long awaited and promised son, back to God in this way. There was no last minute "okay, just kidding" moment. His faith and trust in God to follow through still amazes me. The ability to surrender and let go of this promised gift, his son Isaac.
And God knew the moment his heart let go, no hiding from God. And I truly believe the deal was sealed when he began the walk up the mountain, the same one you and Nathan are climbing right now. Your attitude is in the right place and yet such an unknown place to the world. But it is known to God and He holds His plans for you in His heart. I will be praying for you during this time of your climb that He speaks clearly to your hearts and brings you to the top in His complete peace and His grace. You are seeing answered prayer right now as your hearts are preparing. Do not be afraid. He says this so many times and I am praying this to be gospel over you each day forward. And your Faith is a sweet fragrance to Him who watches over you and Marianne and the gift of Poppy Joy. You are all tucked in my heart.
Love, Laurie in Ca.
I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you! I was led to your blog through my friend, Boothe's blog. I check on you daily. Even though we will probably never meet this side of heaven, I think of you often. I pray for strength for you and your family through this time. As I told Boothe many times, you have a wonderful 3 year old (2 yr old in your case) reason to live life to the fullest right now! Praying blessings upon you from Franklin, TN.
Dearest Angie,
Oh how I love you and I am praying for all of you! God will use you mightily. He already has! Love, Mom
I don't know you, but I am praying for you and your family.
You are indeed praising Him and pleasing Him in this storm...and you have an awesome testimony that will touch many lives. May God bless you abundantly and give you strength as you face the days ahead.
Praying for you continually. I recently did a bible study on Abraham's sacrifice. One thing that was pointed out in his sacrifice was that he didn't have a plan B. He trusted God so much that the ONLY thing he took with him that day to the alter was Isaac and 2 servants. No other sacrifice for "just in case." Not only that, but when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac the VERY next morning, he obeyed! He didn't pray about it, call a friend for advice, or even come up with plan B. He simply trusted God. This post that you have posted today proves that you are right where Abraham was. Trusting the Lord completely. Was it agonizing for him? I believe it had to have been the longest and hardest walk of his life on that a.m. to Mt. Moriah, but clearly the Lord was with him every step of the way. I know the God WE serve is carrying you and your sweet family right now. Continue trusting...
Angie,
I just want to tell you how much you have touched my heart with your faith. I have been following your blog for a while now, and I can truly say, I am a stronger person, because of the love for the Lord and the trust in him that both you and Nathan are showing us.
Thank you for sharing your life with us. I can only imagine that your Papa is preparing for Poppy to join him, it that be God's will. I just know your Papa will hold her in his arms until you are all reunited one day in heaven.
I pray for you daily, I pray for your peace and your comfort. Let me know if I can do anything to help you.
Mardecia Sutton
oh sweet ang,
your words today have convicted and inspired my heart. thank you for letting the Lord use you to speak to my heart about willingness to obey. i love you, honey.
You are so right in making the choice to be faithful and trusting God's will. I know firsthand how difficult it is and will be. Please know that I am praying for you and sweet Poppy.
Mandy
GA
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com
It's so incredible to see how the Lord is speaking to you through His Word constantly but just as incredible, how you and Nathan are listening. I'm so proud of you and your persistance to follow hard after the Lord. Love and prayers!!
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