This past Friday, my husband and I celebrated the birth of our fifth child! At 1:29pm, Hezekiah Jason entered the world weighing 8 pounds and 10 ounces.
A few years ago, if you were to have told me that I would be a mother to five, I most likely would have laughed in your face. Not out of a lack of desire, but out of a lack of ability. My husband and I struggled for three years to conceive our first baby and once we finally did become pregnant; our celebration was short lived as we lost that baby, Elijah, at 11 weeks. Our heartbreak continued as we prepared to adopt a sweet little girl, whose birthmother changed her mind about the adoption two days after delivery. For years, we had a house with a decorated nursery that was ready for any baby (biological or adoptive) that the Lord would entrust to us. Never during that time, would I have thought that we would so quickly have progressed from a childless couple to a family of seven! As I reflect on the goodness of the Lord, I celebrate Him for all that He has done and all the miracles He has accomplished. Only the Lord could take an angry, infertile woman and make her the joy-filled mama to many.
He does the same for marriages!
While no two marriages are the same, every marriage will face its set of struggles.
Some couple’s troubles are much more intense and lengthy than others, but regardless, every couple will face trying times. Jason and I have been through a couple of different seasons where our sin nature really affected our intimacy. Other times we faced trials, but we experienced them together (our infertility journey would be a perfect example of that). However, there was one season we went through, which lasted about 15 months, where we found ourselves pitted against each other. He believed our family was being called in one direction, and I firmly believed our family was being called in the complete opposite direction. This disagreement affected every single aspect of our marriage and, frankly, it was incredibly exhausting. Sitting where I am today, that season of our marriage seems like a distant memory because of our renewed joy and love, but those long months were incredibly dark, bleak, and painful. Only the Lord could take two sinful people who can’t agree on anything and turn them into a couple who loves fiercely, passionately, and selflessly.
I wish I could say that we’ve been through all the trials we will ever face, but I am pretty sure that we will experience many more trying times (most likely more intense than anything we have faced yet). Life is hard, and marriage can certainly be difficult, but the Lord renews, restores, and He can take back the years the locust have eaten. He has already proven faithful in accomplishing this in our marriage! I know He will continue to do it throughout our life-long marriage.
Today’s post is more encouraging in nature than my normal tone of writing. Not that I love to spout out marriage advice, but it is good to remember that there comes an end to every storm, and sometimes there is a stunning rainbow is waiting. But we must first make it through the storm. If you are discouraged, take heart. The Lord is faithful, and He is working. I am holding my fifth sweet-smelling little miracle after years of waiting and loss. My husband and I now have a similar vision for our family after over a year of fighting, praying, and wondering if we were ever going to see eye-to-eye.
If you have any encouraging stories of how the Lord has worked a miracle in your life and in your marriage, please share in the comments.
Jo Cross says
SO happy for you and your family! Your family of seven is a great example of God’s faithfulness. Enjoy your new season!
darbyd says
Thanks, friend!!! God is certainly blessed us beyond measure! Praying for your and your upcoming new season. 🙂
Lisa says
Congratulations on your newest blessing! What a sweetie!
darbyd says
Thank you, Lisa!
Beth Wilmes says
What a beautiful new addition to your family! Darby, God has certainly blessed you and your family….and you bless so many with your words of encouragement.
Romans 8:28
darbyd says
Thanks, Beth!!! I appreciate your kind words. Mr. Heze needs to meet you soon. 🙂