Reasons for Hope: Number Four

Number four: There is no act of Satan that is not subject to the ultimate power & sovereignty of God. 

 I listened to a great talk by John Piper the other day called "10 Aspects of God's Sovereignty Over Suffering & Satan's Hand In It".  It can also be found in written form, along with many other great articles, in the book "Suffering and the Sovereignty of God".  

This article by Piper listed 10 excellent reasons to hope in our sovereign God.  Satan is real.  And he is a powerful enemy.  But the battle and the end result does not belong to him.  In fact, his power is always subject to our sovereign God.  

There is immense hope in that fact.  And the knowledge that our God is greater brings much comfort, even in the midst of suffering.  If you have time, download these talks here and enjoy the encouragement that comes from knowing that our powerful God is in control.  And ultimately, He is victorious. 

"And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth...but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever."  Revelation 20:9 & 10

Reasons for Hope: Number Three

Back to my "Reasons to Hope" series...prompted by the story I shared about the woman in the room next to mine.  (Each of these reasons coming from some reading or studying I have done as of late...which will soon have to take a temporary backseat to the new little lady on the way!)


Number three:  singing hymns and spiritual songs to the Lord is a way for the soul to pray when it has no words of it's own.  Hymns can be powerful pieces of theology that can be sung in times of trial, to "preach" to ourselves about the nature of God.

This is an old favorite of mine:

"Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine."

 One thing I have missed tremendously while being here at the hospital is singing.  I have missed worshiping with others at church, singing with my children at home and just humming a hymn as I go through the day.  Singing here is a little hard, but when I clicked on the website to find the lyrics for this hymn...I couldn't help but sing along.  

The powerful words and strong theology were enough to lift my spirits and encourage my heart.  Just another reason to hope. 

Little girl...Big plans

Here's the latest updates on our little lady (still in the womb!):

1. We are planning on having an Ultrasound on Monday, Feb. 15th to make sure that all looks well (amniotic fluid, her size, placenta location, etc.)...

2. We will then plan on having an amniocentesis on Wednesday, Feb. 17th to check her lung maturity.  If the test comes back showing that her lungs are ready, then they will "add me on" to the surgery schedule for later that afternoon/evening...

3. Sooooo, we will plan on meeting this little lady (finally!) on February, 17th!  So let the countdown begin...only 7 more days! :o)

4. And that means, we will plan on bringing her home on Saturday, the 20th or Sunday, the 21st.  HOME!!! I cannot wait...

 
5. That means Josh & I celebrated our last "date night" (in the hospital, that is) last night.  It was our best yet.  Probably because we are almost done with this season of life! We had a wonderful dinner, laughed a ton (one of the bazillion reasons why I love my husband...he makes me laugh...a lot), and we opened these AMAZING baskets from a bunch of families from our church (more of you than I can count!).

What can we say?  Thank you seems so inadequate.  We had so much fun opening both baskets...and the diaper bag.  I would so like to write you all a thank you note, but don't know where to begin or what is from who?!?

So many cute & thoughtful things...  

One of the things I have missed is "nesting"...preparing to bring this little lady home.  Things like laying out little onsies, stacking tiny diapers, and preparing her bedroom.  The things in these baskets along with the work of my very thoughtful sister-in-law (to get the baby's "room" ready) have filled that gap so well.  

So thank you to you all...you know who you are.  For making this mommy feel even more ready for our girl's arrival. 

Don't worry...we'll keep you posted on any updates or changes and we'll let you know if all goes according to plan!