Photo Credit: Cendino Teme Photography
Resting on God’s Promises
Written By: Sheldy Saint-Hubert
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6
There comes a time when this verse is not only liked and memorized, but lived out fully. See, I always try to see the glass half full, so to speak. But there are times when you don’t see the positivity or the resolution to a problem.
For several years, I have been battling with the effects of having a uterine fibroid. To those who don’t know, it’s painful and outright nightmarish. The risks associated with uterine fibroid can range from pregnancy complications or infertility. The mere thought of being barren was heart wrenching. There were many tearful prayers asking, begging God to see us through this. So, I began the process of receiving treatment to reduce/eliminate the pain associated with the uterine fibroid, mainly medication treatment. And it really helped! God always provides!
On 12/15/2012, I tied the knot with my love and best friend, Marc. After a year of marriage, our plans focused on adding a little munchkin to our family. So we consulted with our doctor and assessments were conducted. The results were in: The doctor advised us that the fibroid has made it difficulty for a pregnancy to occur. Afterward the doctor’s visit, my husband and I huddled together to figure out a game plan! Our God is faithful!
We were told about a highly effective infertility specialist and we were hopeful. Two surgeries later, last one occurred November 2015, we getting a little impatient. So we decided to start the process of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). We were literally at the last step before starting the procedure, when it happened! I missed my period and Marc asked me to take a pregnancy test. I did, thinking nothing of it. It was + (Positive)! I began to laugh because it was surely God’s sense of humor. He was saying, “I am in control and has ALWAYS been in control.” I checked twice while at work and the results were the same. And the doctor confirmed our pregnancy. We were five weeks pregnant! “God has made a great many promises. They are all “Yes” because of what Christ has done. So through Christ we say ‘Amen.’ We want God to receive glory” (2 Cor. 1:20).
Fast-forwarding to our five-month pregnancy, we were scheduled to complete our second-trimester ultrasounds which focuses on the fetal anatomy. The day before I began to feel heavy pressure on my uterus, making it difficult to walk. But I figured this was normal based on some reading materials. However, the ultrasound technician began to appear really concerned and left the room to call the doctor in. It appeared that my uterus was unable to hold her much longer, she was on her way out and it could be fatal. What came to mind was this verse, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). I felt a calm while I watched the medical staff hurriedly call in the hospital for admittance. I knew everything would be okay despite the immediate danger. God will never leave nor forsake us!
My doctor met us at the hospital. Our baby girl, Mackenzie, was doing great with a noticeable strong heartbeat and was very active. The doctor performed a cervical cerclage to ensure Mackenzie stays put. The thought of losing her was difficult to imagine. The amazing part of this experience was the way everything happened to get me to this appointment. I was originally scheduled for that day (Tuesday) to undergo the second-trimester ultrasound. However, there was training scheduled at work for that Tuesday and I asked the doctor’s office to change the appointment for later that Friday. Somehow, the training was cancelled and the doctor’s office happened to have scheduled me twice for Tuesday and Friday. God only knows what would have happened if I went later that week…. “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared” (Ex. 23:20).
Now, we are at the end of our pregnancy and scheduled to deliver December 27. Thinking about how God walked with us every step of the way, showing his mighty hand and his love for us, has been overwhelmingly amazing. We have much to be grateful for: In October, He moved us up on a waitlist to move-in our new place, Mackenzie has everything she needs when she arrives (thanks to wonderful family and friends), and promoting my husband and I at our place of employment. In all things God for the good of those who love him!
Sometimes it’s difficult to see past our pains and hardships. It feels easier to just surrender to the coming defeat. But remember: God will never give more than you can bear. Think about your challenges. Ask yourself if this problem is greater than our God who has set the universe on its course, fashioned the skies, and created all living things. Of course, not! God is waiting for us to place our complete trust in HIS goodness towards US. It is my desire to see everyone flourish in God’s promises and not fueled by fear. I’m there right along with you, reminding myself DAILY to trust in God despite what I see. “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7).
Prayer by St. Ignatius of Loyola
O Christ Jesus,
when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love
and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You,
we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6
There comes a time when this verse is not only liked and memorized, but lived out fully. See, I always try to see the glass half full, so to speak. But there are times when you don’t see the positivity or the resolution to a problem.
For several years, I have been battling with the effects of having a uterine fibroid. To those who don’t know, it’s painful and outright nightmarish. The risks associated with uterine fibroid can range from pregnancy complications or infertility. The mere thought of being barren was heart wrenching. There were many tearful prayers asking, begging God to see us through this. So, I began the process of receiving treatment to reduce/eliminate the pain associated with the uterine fibroid, mainly medication treatment. And it really helped! God always provides!
On 12/15/2012, I tied the knot with my love and best friend, Marc. After a year of marriage, our plans focused on adding a little munchkin to our family. So we consulted with our doctor and assessments were conducted. The results were in: The doctor advised us that the fibroid has made it difficulty for a pregnancy to occur. Afterward the doctor’s visit, my husband and I huddled together to figure out a game plan! Our God is faithful!
We were told about a highly effective infertility specialist and we were hopeful. Two surgeries later, last one occurred November 2015, we getting a little impatient. So we decided to start the process of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). We were literally at the last step before starting the procedure, when it happened! I missed my period and Marc asked me to take a pregnancy test. I did, thinking nothing of it. It was + (Positive)! I began to laugh because it was surely God’s sense of humor. He was saying, “I am in control and has ALWAYS been in control.” I checked twice while at work and the results were the same. And the doctor confirmed our pregnancy. We were five weeks pregnant! “God has made a great many promises. They are all “Yes” because of what Christ has done. So through Christ we say ‘Amen.’ We want God to receive glory” (2 Cor. 1:20).
Fast-forwarding to our five-month pregnancy, we were scheduled to complete our second-trimester ultrasounds which focuses on the fetal anatomy. The day before I began to feel heavy pressure on my uterus, making it difficult to walk. But I figured this was normal based on some reading materials. However, the ultrasound technician began to appear really concerned and left the room to call the doctor in. It appeared that my uterus was unable to hold her much longer, she was on her way out and it could be fatal. What came to mind was this verse, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). I felt a calm while I watched the medical staff hurriedly call in the hospital for admittance. I knew everything would be okay despite the immediate danger. God will never leave nor forsake us!
My doctor met us at the hospital. Our baby girl, Mackenzie, was doing great with a noticeable strong heartbeat and was very active. The doctor performed a cervical cerclage to ensure Mackenzie stays put. The thought of losing her was difficult to imagine. The amazing part of this experience was the way everything happened to get me to this appointment. I was originally scheduled for that day (Tuesday) to undergo the second-trimester ultrasound. However, there was training scheduled at work for that Tuesday and I asked the doctor’s office to change the appointment for later that Friday. Somehow, the training was cancelled and the doctor’s office happened to have scheduled me twice for Tuesday and Friday. God only knows what would have happened if I went later that week…. “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared” (Ex. 23:20).
Now, we are at the end of our pregnancy and scheduled to deliver December 27. Thinking about how God walked with us every step of the way, showing his mighty hand and his love for us, has been overwhelmingly amazing. We have much to be grateful for: In October, He moved us up on a waitlist to move-in our new place, Mackenzie has everything she needs when she arrives (thanks to wonderful family and friends), and promoting my husband and I at our place of employment. In all things God for the good of those who love him!
Sometimes it’s difficult to see past our pains and hardships. It feels easier to just surrender to the coming defeat. But remember: God will never give more than you can bear. Think about your challenges. Ask yourself if this problem is greater than our God who has set the universe on its course, fashioned the skies, and created all living things. Of course, not! God is waiting for us to place our complete trust in HIS goodness towards US. It is my desire to see everyone flourish in God’s promises and not fueled by fear. I’m there right along with you, reminding myself DAILY to trust in God despite what I see. “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7).
Prayer by St. Ignatius of Loyola
O Christ Jesus,
when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love
and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You,
we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.
How I Met The Author
Sheldy "Peggy" Saint-Hubert and I go back to Carmen San-Diego, Barbies, and Hot Summers on 125th Street where girls couldn't play outside (insert eye roll). Before "playdates" were a thing our moms set up some time for us one Sunday and that was the begining of a beautiful friendship. Growing up in a house full of boys (and their friends) was never easy, so I was so greatful to have her to play with. We spent weekends and summers together... she became family....LITERALY.. LOL!! It's funny how God works things out in his timing. Sheldy becoming my Sister-In-Law was just confirming God's promise from 20 years before. In our family, she has become a calming peace in many storms. Throughout many of the hard times she is always smiling and if you ask her how she is doing she always says... God's got it. Beautiful (Marc def married up...lol), Caring, Loving, Patient, Kind, Wise Beyond Her Years, and the list goes on...I am so blessed to call her SISTER .
Sheldy "Peggy" Saint-Hubert and I go back to Carmen San-Diego, Barbies, and Hot Summers on 125th Street where girls couldn't play outside (insert eye roll). Before "playdates" were a thing our moms set up some time for us one Sunday and that was the begining of a beautiful friendship. Growing up in a house full of boys (and their friends) was never easy, so I was so greatful to have her to play with. We spent weekends and summers together... she became family....LITERALY.. LOL!! It's funny how God works things out in his timing. Sheldy becoming my Sister-In-Law was just confirming God's promise from 20 years before. In our family, she has become a calming peace in many storms. Throughout many of the hard times she is always smiling and if you ask her how she is doing she always says... God's got it. Beautiful (Marc def married up...lol), Caring, Loving, Patient, Kind, Wise Beyond Her Years, and the list goes on...I am so blessed to call her SISTER .