Shifting Our Focus To The Cross

"When we keep our focus on Jesus Christ, life's struggles diminish and our faith becomes stronger." 

I wrote on Saturday about a miracle that has happened, see Trusting Our Heavenly Father to read more.  On Friday a blood test confirmed I was pregnant and today we will find out what my Beta levels are doing.  I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.  I have struggled with fear for as long as I can remember.  I have wanted a child since I was a child.  Playing with baby dolls was my favorite past time and I owned many little dolls.  Alan and I both adore children and our hearts are already pleading for the life of our child who cannot be seen using an ultrasound.  I cannot even think about the pregnancy without crying and fear beginning to rise up in me.  My eyes must stay fixed on the Lord and His goodness.  No matter what the end result, He loves us and will work this out for His glory and our good.  Keeping my thoughts on Him is a moment by moment battle.  My mind struggles against it, but He has commanded us to "fear not."

I am currently reading a book written by Charles Stanley titled, "Land-mines in the Path of a Believer."  I just completed a chapter on fear.  One section that really spoke to me was when he wrote of Joseph, Daniel, Paul, and David.  Each of these men faced trials, but they did not let fear conquer them.  Each of their stories touches my heart, but Daniels story reached deeper into my heart.  Maybe Daniel's story reached a different level in my heart, because I can picture the lion so vividly.  It frightens me just thinking of facing a lion that could devour me in a split second.  Stanley stated, "Daniel emerged unscathed from the lion's den because he had spent the night praying to God for protection and deliverance.  He was focused only on the Lord and not on the lions that tracked his every move with their eyes."  Daniel went straight to prayer!  It was that simple, yet I make it extremely difficult. 

Lord I come to You pleading that You will allow Your peace to penetrate my body and my husband's body. We do desire a child, but we desire You more.  We desire an intimate relationship with You.  My mind must stay on the sacrifice that was made on the cross.   This is the time of year we celebrate the resurrection.  Setting our minds on You and what You did at the cross does seem easier at this time of year, but I pray it will continue to be a discipline of ours year round.  We are trusting You.  Yes, we are afraid, but we know we are not walking this alone.  We are asking that the Beta levels rise and this baby be formed.  We are asking for a full term pregnancy and a child to raise in Your ways.  Our thoughts are not the same as Your thoughts and Your ways are much more perfect than ours.  We will trust You and follow You no matter what.  Jesus we thank You for giving Your life so that we may have life.  You are our King!  It is in Your name I pray, amen.

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings (Psalm 61).

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you (Isaiah 41:10-13). 

 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Psalm 23). 

The Glory That's Unsurpassed by Oswald Chambers