There is a HUGE difference

“You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine.” Psalm 4:7

 “We will do what we can, but I am afraid having children might not be possible.” The doctor said. Devastated by the news she went home to tell her husband. “Honey, we will do whatever we need to, we will go see the best infertility doctor there is.” He said. And that is exactly what they did! They went through three doctors, hearing all the same things.  But it just was not enough; their desire to have children was so much greater for them to just give up.

After hours of discussion and fussing they decided to try one more doctor. There, they sat in the office waiting for the doctor to come in and give them the news. He entered the room sat down and said “I want to have you both run some tests and then I want to start you on some medicine that I think will help.” Really? You really think we can get pregnant they replied. “I can’t guarantee it, but it is worth trying, when I get both tests back I will be able to tell you more.” And so it began, she was faithful in taking the medicine doing everything she was told, and when she was told. But month after month nothing happened. Test after test she took, all for the disappointment of it being negative. She felt her joy and happiness draining from within her. Her husband noticed her mood; her desire to do things was diminishing. She was becoming a woman he didn’t know!

After months and months went by, they went from pills to shots, to just give us 15,000 dollars and we can assure you a baby.  She started to become angry not understanding why this was happening, how could it be that everyone else could get pregnant, even those who didn’t deserve a baby, went through her head.  It wasn’t fair! The whole time her husband would keep saying, “Just give it to the Lord.” So she cried out even more than before, she prayed for the Lord to look upon her and see her agony and desire to bear one of His children. And still nothing! Finally-she gave up! No more doctors, no more shots, nothing, “I am done” she cried.  Her joy was gone! Upon going home to see their family for Christmas she became very ill-and was taken to the E.R. her husband determined to find out what was wrong with her requested tests to be ran, and so they began! Around 2:30 a.m. the nurse came in the room and said” I am sorry but we are not going to be able to run anymore tests.” Her husband confused said “why, I don’t understand what is wrong with her?” The nurse replied, “She is two weeks pregnant!” “Are you sure?” Yes we are sure, we ran it twice!” With tears running down his face-he looked over at his wife there in the bed and said “You did it! Baby you did it; you finally gave it to the Lord!”

Number 21 on our list of things to crave-Joy

On August 15, 2006 our beautiful baby boy entered the world! And the moment they placed him in my arms was one of the most joyful days of my life. You see, I didn’t know the difference between joy and happiness back then. And it wasn’t until recently that I learned the difference. I always thought they were one in the same. But they are not, happiness is temporary and unpredictable, it is based on circumstances and feelings. Joy is lasting, and comes from the presence of God within us. The more Jesus we have the more joy we have! The closer our relationship is with Him, the more joy we will receive. So stop seeking happiness, and start seeking lasting joy!

Prayer: Jesus You are true joy, may we desire to have joy and not happiness that is only temporary. In the name that gives everlasting joy, Jesus, Amen.