In 2018, God gave her the word "Focus" as her word of the year. She wasn't sure what it meant at the time. At the beginning of February 2018, she lost her baby, Elijah Timothy, at 16 weeks' pregnancy. She got pregnant again just one month later. She felt like God was telling her to trust Him, even though she was terrified and was experiencing panic attacks and anxiety. Unfortunately, she lost her baby Malachi Jude as well: two 2nd trimester losses in a span of 5 months. After this happened, she told Satan "You have no idea who you're dealing with."
She felt that God was giving her Philippians 3 as a verse to hold onto. In the book of Philippians, Paul is showing appreciation to the church at Philippi, despite him being on house arrest. His suffering became his pulpit. His boldness encouraged others.
Our goal should be to run towards Jesus - to serve Him with everything we are, and bring glory to Him in everything we do.
How can I bring glory to God in the little things I do?
My suffering is an opportunity for me to grow and know God more deeply.
Molly shared how she got angry with God after her mom died when Molly was in high school (she had an autoimmune disease triggered from exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.) Molly ran from God very hard until she finally surrendered.
When Molly experienced her suffering in 2018, she realized that she could run FROM God (as she had when her mom died), or she could run TO God, where God promises peace.
We need community, especially when we are suffering.
We are not of this world. Do we really believe that we are citizens of heaven?
We have to have a heavenly perspective when we feel like we just can't do it anymore.
What does this look like practically?
1. When you are in the deepest, darkest moment, Open up God's Word!
2. Find God in the little things. Molly calls them "Manna Moments".
An example Molly shared of a manna moment was when a nurse gave her a card that had her baby's hand and footprints on it, which she did not ask for, but meant so much to her.
She realized at the end of 2018 that when God gave her the word "Focus", He meant "Focus on me" - "You have no idea what's in store for you, but if you focus on Me, it will be OK."
Real peace is not to live an easy life without hard times, but to have peace in the midst of the hard times.
Announcements
- Our April 23 meeting will be our MOPS Swap and craft meeting! Bring your unwanted items from your home to swap with other moms. Unclaimed items will be donated to Missions Thrift!
- Jamie-Lee, Lacinda, and Rosemary's groups will be bringing brunch. Sign up here at Signup Genius. You can also check out the upcoming brunch schedule and info by clicking on the "Brunch" tab here on the blog.
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