Devotion #2: Twenty Children

“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21  

For the last nine years of my husband’s, Brandon, and my marriage, the Lord has told us “No” to having children. Having a big family is something that I have desired since I was a child. Starting at the age of 15, I would often tell my friends and family, “When I get married, I want 20 children.” I meant that wholeheartedly. Going into marriage, Brandon and I had an agreement to wait a year before starting a family. Secretly, in the back of my mind, I hoped that with every passing month, I would be pregnant. Once that year was up, we agreed to start our family, but the Lord was clear that He had other plans. It is nine years later, and we still do not have any children.  

I often think of the story of Isaac and Rebekah. Rebekah was barren for 20 years, and I am sure for those 20 years that she experienced the same emotions, frustrations, and disbelief that I have through this process. However, through this time, we are told that she remained faithful to the Lord. She honored her husband, took care of her household, had hospitality for those who needed it, and ultimately obeyed God through every passing moment of desperation of wanting a family of her own. Through her faithfulness, Rebekah illustrated what righteousness for our King is really supposed to look like.  

Today, I encourage you to take the example of Rebekah. Obey, praise, and glorify the Lord through tough times. In the end, God promises Rebekah that she will have children, and God follows through on that promise by giving her Jacob and Esau. I am not sure if Brandon and I will ever have children, that is not a promise God has given us. I am hopeful though, and I rest in the promises that God has given us, and I encourage you to as well.