What do you do in a situation where your morals and your faith are tested? In a split second you have to make a choice to stand up for what you believe and what is right, or stay silent, or even deny the truth. It should be an easy answer. Perhaps it could be something you think of often or something that has not yet crossed your mind.
To decide what you will do if a situation arises beforehand is far better than to make a decision when you are faced with something so challenging. Having a game plan will keep you more firm in sticking to your decision, a decision that is in alignment with your faith and morals.
When I was faced with a decision that tested my faith
My husband and I were trying for what seemed like forever, but was only just a few months. Alas, I took my first trip to a gynecologist just to make sure that everything was all clear. I wasn’t in the gynecologists office too long, after a quick ultrasound when he said I would never fall pregnant on my own and I would need to go on treatment because of polycystic ovaries. He also advised that I go for blood work to check my immunity levels before I start any treatment. If my levels were low I would need to have an MMR injections before starting any treatment.
I wasn’t even home yet and I had used half a box of tissues and already knew in my heart before chatting to my husband that we would not go the treatment route. We chatted about it and had peace about not following the treatment but having the booster injection if needed. I am not against treatment and have heard so many wonderful and beautiful testimonies from couples that have been this route, but in this moment we felt we shouldn’t.
A few days later the gynecologist phoned me to say I would need the MMR injection, but under no circumstances am I to fall pregnant within the next three months. I thought what harm could just a booster shot do, it could help us fall pregnant later on without treatment, hopefully. I was a little hesitant because I was so hoping I would have fallen pregnant already. The gynecologist did both blood work and an ultrasound so surely I cannot be pregnant. I think at the time I wanted to be pregnant so desperately that everyday honestly felt like I could be pregnant. I went and had the injection as required.
Do I stay silent, agree or do I stand up for what I believe?
Less than a week later I became so sick, so I took a home pregnancy test……. A POSITIVE!!! A moment of pure excitement followed by uncertainty. The gynecologist said under no circumstances were we to fall pregnant for three months. I made a quick phone call to the gynecologist and we were told to come see him immediately. I was pregnant at my first appointment but nothing was picked up. My husband and I spent about an hour in his office that afternoon. We knew that this was serious. Most appointments you are in and out in a flash.
The gynecologist made phone calls to Cape Town doctors asking for advise. He was researching on his computer. Then he said we needed to terminate the pregnancy, because of possible birth defects. I remember blurting out as fast as I could, “No, my God is bigger than this!” I was so shaken and shocked. He responded, “Go home, think about it, I strongly suggest that you do.”
We didn’t know what we were doing, we had no guarantee or way of telling if this little miracle baby would be fine at birth or not. However, in the face of a tough decision, we already had an answer: God has got this! God not only had us back then, but he has us now too!
Every decision has an outcome: Let it be to testify of God’s goodness
God has got you in whatever situation you are facing and whatever choice you need to make. What choices and decisions are you facing today? Be ready to give an answer. A few days ago, we celebrated our miracle girl’s seventh birthday. She is a beautiful, gentle and caring soul. She is wise beyond her years and I am blessed to be her mom. What could I have missed out on if I chose the other way? If I stayed silent and accepted the gynecologists advice or even agreed with him?
We have choices and free will, which is the beauty of having a relationship with God. Let us be wise in our decisions. Let us stand strong in the face of challenging decisions. Know what you stand for and why you stand for it. When you are faced with uncertainty and when your world is shaken, you can stand firm and not be swayed.
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.”
1 Corinthians 16:13
Stay strong, Jess
