Natalie strolled along the path through the forest. Sunlight filtered through the trees and a pair of squirrels chattered nearby, chasing one another across the forest floor. She turned toward her best friend. “This is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much for spending the day with me.”
Kara took a swig from her water bottle. “I love hiking through this park. I feel closest to God when I’m out in nature. You seem like you’ve been going through some tough times, so bringing you here felt like the right thing to do. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
“I am,” Natalie said. “Reggie and I have been going through a rough time lately.” She continued along the path and stepped onto a footbridge over the creek. She moved into the center of the bridge and gazed out across the water.
Kara followed along and stood at her side, watching the water flow under the bridge. “Do you want to talk about it?”
Natalie bit her lip. Did she? If she were honest with herself, that was why she was here today. She needed to share how she felt, and Kara had such strong faith she was sure she’d have some good advice. She took a deep breath. “We’ve been trying to conceive for the past year, and it hasn’t worked out. It’s been really hard on both of us. Reggie feels like he can’t give me the one thing I want, and every time I find out I’m not pregnant, I feel like a failure. It’s so emotionally draining. Our love life has become scheduled and is no longer romantic. We’re both feeling the stress. It feels like our marriage is on shaky ground.”
Kara stomped her feet and the whole bridge shook. “Kind of like this?”
Natalie grabbed the rope at the side of the bridge as the planks below her rocked back and forth. “Yeah, exactly like this. Like the whole earth underneath us isn’t steady.”
They stood, feeling the bridge rock below them for the next few moments. Kara reached out and laid a hand on Natalie’s arm. “I know this is a tough time. Come on.” Kara started for the edge of the bridge and Natalie followed. They crossed the bridge and came to a bench, nestled amongst the fir trees. “Let’s sit for a bit.” Kara closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them, her voice was strong and clear. “How do you feel about what is underneath you now?”
Natalie blinked. “You mean the bench and the solid ground? It’s fine.”
“I think you need to lean more on God. Let Him be the foundation of your marriage, and of your life. Depending on anything else is like spending your life on that shaky bridge. Depending on God is like sitting on this concrete bench on solid ground. He’s the only one who can grant you a child. You and Reggie are in this together. Have you prayed together about this?”
Natalie shook her head. “No, we haven’t. You’re right. We should definitely do that. I’ve been doing a lot more complaining to God every time I find out I’m not pregnant. I’ve been praying, asking Him for a baby, but Reggie and I haven’t prayed together.”
Kara leaned down and re-tied her bootlace. Straightening, she turned back toward Natalie. “You have the right foundation in God. You and Reggie are both believers, so you both have the assurance that you will have eternal life with God in heaven. That is your foundation.”
Natalie managed a small smile. “That puts things into perspective. As much as I want a child, and I believe God put that desire into my heart, He knows what is best for me. He loves Reggie and me.”
“And you want to have a strong marriage before you bring a child into the mix.”
Natalie squeezed Kara’s shoulder. “You’re absolutely right. Thank you. When I get home today, Reggie and I are going to have a long talk, do some praying, and get our marriage back on track. You are such a blessing.” She stood and reached out a hand to Kara. “I believe we have a hike to continue.”
Matthew 7: 24-27
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.
God, thank You for being our foundation. No matter what happens (or doesn’t happen) in our lives, we know we can count on Your love. Help us to put our trust in You and to remember that our trials pale in comparison to knowing we have an eternal future in heaven with You. This world is temporary. As much as it feels like home, we need to remember our home is with You. Thank you for preparing a place for us to join You. Help us to keep that in perspective. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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