Thoughts on Thursday

Where do you find your strength?

It's a question that has been posed to me by fellow bloggers, my devotional, and friends. There is a saying, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." But where do they go? I can't speak for everyone, nor would I want to, but I think it's important to know where one's strength comes from so that when your hope is running low and your faith is temping luke warm, you'll know where to run. You'll know the reservoir in which to plunge.

Everyone has at least one battle they're facing. Some find comfort in sharing their struggles while others resort to dealing with things alone. A couple years ago my husband and I were facing the same battle that we are facing now...a long, undesired stay in the Land of Infertility. I promise not to bore you with our woes. Instead, I want to share with you the well from which we drink.

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Long ago, though at different ages and miles apart, my husband and I gave our lives to the Lord. We asked forgiveness for our sins and trusted the Lord with every aspect of our lives. As we grew in age and faith, our faith was tested, our dreams were realized, and our lives took unexpected directions along the way.

As I came closer to graduating high school I knew the course I was on. God had made things abundantly clear. Upon entering college various situations tested my faith, toyed with my anxiety, and made me question my choices. Did God once leave me to wander? No. While there were times it seemed as though He was absent or sitting silently, truth be told, He was waiting with open arms. Each time I came to Him with my fears, questions, or frustrations, He was there to guide me. These things led me to working at a Christian camp for 3 summers (where I met my amazing husband), a change in my college major, and a giant leap of faith that resulted in a big move.

When I sit back and look at my journey thus far, it becomes clearly evident that God's hand was in everything. It is still in everything. Even in our struggle with infertility.

It has rarely been easy to see the "sunny side" of things while dealing with the side effects of my medication. The countless pregnancy and birth announcements, while thrilling to my heart, also sadden it. Yet, never once has God not gone before me.

As we face this journey again, the time tables have been laid out before us. The "ifs" far out weigh the certainties. I've been thinking lately about how I can change this way of thinking. I'm trying to make a conscious effort to cling to what I know is certain.

I am certain that:
-God loves me
-God has the best for me
-I will face failure and trials
-I can't control circumstances but I can control my responses
-My life is filled with wonderful,  miraculous things
-I can contribute to the Kingdom
-I matter

While my heart still feels the ache, my stomach still sinks and my head tosses the past and future around constantly, I've also been continually reminded about God's goodness.

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Back to the Well. We here in the country generally rely on our wells to provide the water necessary for our everyday needs. It is a life line if you will. Take that literal image and go a step further. There is an account in the Bible of Jesus speaking to a woman at the city's well. There are many reasons why this was against reproach, but Jesus never shied away from tending to those who needed Him. This woman was no exception. At one point in their conversation He directs her to the Living Water that He offers. He offers Hope, Eternal Life, and a Promise for the future.

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4: 13-14

Read the full account in John 4.

This same Well is where my strength comes from. While there are times of desert and drought, my soul is forever quenched by the same Jesus who shared His love and wisdom with that woman so many centuries ago.

"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11

The Lord provides more than just scripture. As humans, we are tangible beings. He has provided me with a wonderful group of friends who, regardless if they understand our circumstances, pray for us. They send texts, emails, and cards at just the right time. I can't tell you how many times a random act of kindness has been just what I've needed to get over the hump of a tough day.

So when someone asks me where my strength comes from know that while I will have moments of weakness and I will shed tears of grief, I have hope. I find my strength in the Lord. He is my portion forever.

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Thanks for joining me for this week's Thoughts on Thursday. I hope you'll link-up with myself, Annie, Natalie and others. I look forward to seeing what's on your mind!