Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Love and Grace (09/11/14)
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TITLE: Unmerited Labor | Previous Challenge Entry
By Chris Goglin
09/17/14 -
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As a young bride, I wanted to have a family right away, but God had other plans. After my third miscarriage, my doctor seemed unconcerned.
“You could have a problem, but nothing to worry about. Let’s just wait and see what happens with your next pregnancy.”
I heeded my doctor’s suggestion, and within three months became pregnant again. The elation did not last, however, as my body relinquished yet another tiny soul a month later.These painful ordeals put a damper on our marriage, but we managed to survive. My husband and I grew closer together, and learned how to support each other with a true sense of loving. God taught us that through trials comes trust; and through that trust, comes understanding.
“In all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV).
I had to face the reality that I may never bear children, even though my arms ached to cradle a sweet little one! Another year passed with yet another miscarriage…now my fifth. My doctor could not find anything wrong with me and still insisted on continuing our regular regimen. His uncaring attitude convinced us to search for another doctor, and we decided to move to a new area.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is…” (Romans 12:2, NIV).
We made an appointment with the Chief of Obstetrics at our local hospital. Instantly, I felt comfortable with his friendly bedside manner and fatherly concern. After spilling out my pregnancy woes, Dr. Dugan immediately had a plan of action and for the first time, I felt real hope.
The home pregnancy test was positive! My doctor found out my hormone count was low and may have been the cause of my previous miscarriages. I wished I had not been so trusting with my other doctor. Dr. Dugan prescribed the appropriate medication and my husband and I waited, once again, for any signs of life. I hesitantly started dreaming about a family when I placed my hand on my stomach and prayed.
“Please God, protect this little baby of ours and give him the strength he needs.”
God answered my prayer six weeks later when I felt the tiny butterfly movements of life bubbling inside of me. My thoughts drifted back… if I had switched doctors earlier, would my other babies have survived. On the other hand, my husband and I were in our baby steps of marriage and maybe God knew we could not handle it. Our painful ordeals had strengthened our commitment to each other, and we were now ready for a new addition.
My pregnancy grew to full term, and I delivered a healthy, carrot-topped, blue-eyed boy just before Christmas. Little Keith was truly a miracle in our lives, and we treasured each new day we had with him. God must have thought we were now “ready” for a family, because he continued to bless us over the next several years with Kevin, Kathleen, Karrie, and Kurt. Each incredibly smooth pregnancy and birth made up for the painful experiences of the past. I became famous at one hospital as the woman who delivered in five minutes, and was running down the hall the next day!
Today, after 47 happy years of marriage, I still consider my five children as special miracles from God. He has enriched our lives even more by giving us five wonderful grandchildren. We did not deserve these incredible gifts, but through love and grace, God chose to bless us!
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them…(Psalm 127:3-5 NIV).
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The pain the MC felt was palpable, but the joy later on that the Lord bestowed upon them superceded their loss. Excellent work.
God bless~
Nice job.
I could feel the heartbreak of your MC with each failed pregnancy. Then you had me elated when she finally began having healthy babies. And you used the scriptures expertly in just the right places.
I'm very familiar with "the wrong doctor" malady. And your piece uncovers the fact that many times our doctor could be wrong. In my case 75% of the time. But God is never wrong and His love and grace is precisely what's needed. I like how you brought out the benefits of good things coming from what we many times perceive as something horrible, when we trust God. Just a great piece!
My wife and I suffered through three miscarriages and a still-born child that perished only two weeks away from viability. I know your heartbreak and my wife, much as you did, kept asking if she could have done something different to save those children. Much like your story, God gave us four healthy children - the exact same number we lost.
He is faithful to His promises - always!
Great job!
God bless~
But having five healthy children isn't the end of your story. Chris, I'd love to be standing next to you in heaven when the angels place five precious babies you've never had the chance to hold before into the arms of you and your husband. What grand rejoicing there will be that day!