Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Sarah's Laughter

I know that many of my readers already know about Sarah’s Laughter, but I wanted to post about it for those who don't. Sarah's Laughter is an organization based in Louisiana whose mission is to "provide support for those struggling with infertility or the death of a baby." One of the ways in which they do this is through devotionals emailed Monday through Friday. I have been so blessed by these devotionals. I wanted to share a portion of the one I received today entitled "Worshiping God through Struggles - Three Hebrew Boys" referring to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego:


Do you realize that you have the same choice to make? Worship God in the midst of infertility or bow your knee to despair? “I still love God, but it’s just so hard to worship right now! If I knew He was using this hardship to bring a baby to me, it would be easier to worship Him through the tears. But I don’t know what He’s doing through this situation in my life!” Sound familiar? Most of us get frustrated because we can’t see what God is doing in our problem, and the natural tendency is to withhold praise. Remember that these young men didn’t see the end of the story either. "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire..." but even if He does not... They didn’t know if God would save them or let them burn, yet they worshiped Him anyway. How did they do this? God walked with them through the fires.

Scripture tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. When you worship God in the fire of infertility, you may just notice Someone else walking with you through the flames.

May I take just another moment of your time to point out one more miracle that is often overlooked? It’s found in Daniel 3:21 and 3:25

"Then these men were tied up in their trousers, their coats, their caps and their other clothes, and were cast into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire." (3:21)

"He said, “Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm...” "(3:25)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fire tied up. They stood through the trial of their lives, worshiping God, God joined them in the fire, and the hindrances that had them bound up fell away. Choosing to praise and worship God, even in the midst of the greatest battle you will ever face, will cause the shackles of despair, disappointment and doubt to fall away.


I put the last part in bold because it really struck me. Praising God causes the "shackles of despair, disappointment, and doubt to fall away." I find daily encouragement just like this through these devotions and so I wanted to share them with my readers who may not know about this resource. This particular one really hit home with me today - talk about meeting you right where you are.

Click here to visit the Sarah's Laughter website and here to sign up for their daily double portions (email devotional).

4 comments:

A said...

What a great devotional- I think I'll sign up! Thanks for sharing this with those of us walking through the flames with you!

A said...

PS! I left you an award on my blog!

djordan said...

So good!

Stacey said...

I LOVE these devotionals and love this story in particular.

Thinking of you and praying for you, Becky!