Read With Us - Chapter 7

Please join Holly and the rest of us, as we continue to read, In Faithfulness, He Afflicted Me by: Lynnette Kraft.

In this chapter, Lynnette describes her feelings about knowing that this baby is not healthy. She describes her dislike for the term "birth defect". I believe this is so true. If God makes everyone in his own image, fearful and wonderful, how is that defective? I understand that term may apply to the physical functionality of the body. It will not work properly and will be dependant on medical intervention to function "normal". Normal, in this case being a word to describe the vast majority. Many would call that defective. But I also agree that because God created us all by his own hand, how can that be "defective"?

In regards to the two verses that Lynnette scripted

(1 Corinthians 10:13 & 2 Corinthians 1:8-10),

What do you think of these verses and how they relate to that line "God never gives us more than we can handle? I especially think the initial verse says it clearly. I think there really is no limit to what we can handle (grief or temptation). With God, all things are possible - and if we are to endure immense hardship, as long as we are following God out of the storm - there is no amount that we can not receive. Our temptations will never be so great that we are to be swallowed completely. If we ever feel that all hope is lost and there is no way out of our dispair, then we have lost our grip on his robe.

I agree with Lynnette, I would rather mother children who loved God and accepted Him in their lives and be ill than the alternative. Something that I am struggling with is how to lead my children down God's path, how to show my children the way, how to always encourage and not discourage them. I am new to following Christ myself and new to motherhood, I just don't want to disappoint God when it comes to my children. I feel like I stumble on my own so much, how could I lead another?

What a surreal experience Lynnette describes while praying over Anna's name choice. It sounds like a moment to cherish for all time, and I know that Lynnette does. Have you had any moments in your life where you felt really close to God? Personally, I have not had a moment like that, so vivid. However, when I think about how God speaks to me, its more of a reoccurring episode. Like just a few weeks ago we were reading the chapter when Lynnette was comforted by the words of this song, "Oh, how He loves us". And she sang it to herself. That Sunday in church, the song was sang. I had never heard that song before and here it was - right in front of me. Those words are unmistakable and undeniable. Or, I will read a verse from the Bible and later that day or week, I will hear it recited in a song on the radio while driving. Those are the moments for me when I say, "I hear you, God - I am listening."