Psalm 113:9, Art 365-16-129

Happy Mother’s Day!! I wanted to pick a special verse to do today, Psalm 113:9:

He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!

Psalm 113:9 ESV

This is a very special verse to me as I struggled with infertility before being blessed with my first child. For several years early in our marriage I slogged along frustrated, angry, weepy and gloomy as we tried to have a baby. Then my church had a ladies Bible study on Isaiah 40:31 led by one the most godly and wonderful women I’ve been privileged to know.

The study was all about waiting on the Lord’s timing and trusting Him.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 KJV

As we went through the study I found peace. I was able to ‘let go and let God’ take control. I was even able to spend time with my newly pregnant friend without bursting into tears.

Then a miracle happened.

I got poison ivy.

Yeah, I know. That doesn’t sound like a miracle. Trust me, it was. I used to play in the stuff as a kid in our woods and never got an itch while my brother and sister had to be dipped in Calamine lotion afterwards. Anyways, my rash was so bad that I had to get a prescription from the doctor, but first she asked if I could be pregnant. I laughed at that, much like Sarah, and told her of our infertility struggles. She told me they had an amazing doctor right downstairs in her building and her office set up an appointment the next day. One visit and one round of Clomid later and I was pregnant with our first baby! (You can imagine the celebration as we finished our Bible study with this good news!)

I was pregnant with our miracle baby. All because I got poison ivy.

Mmm, not really. More like I let go and stopped trying to do things in my own strength and knowledge and rested in God’s. I finally gave up my hopes and my expectations and surrendered to what He wanted for my life and to His timing. And guess what? He blessed me beyond my wildest dreams with four amazing children!!!

I know not all prayers are answered like mine was. In fact, looking back I am glad God said no to some of my requests. I’ve learned to trust, that like a loving parent, He has my best interests at heart and will do what is right for my life.