I had always dreamed of getting married and having a baby. Part of my dream was fulfilled when I met and married my husband Michael. After several happy years of marriage passed, we were ready to start a family. Several more years went by and still there was no baby. After medical testing and failed fertility attempts, we began to give up hope. We started looking into private adoption. This road had many disappointments in store for us as well. It seemed as if the doors shut as quickly as they opened.
Finally, with the Lord’s help, we made peace with the fact that we would never be parents. My peace was tested when three of my best friends were pregnant at the same time. I can honestly say I was always happy for them. I planned baby showers for each of them, made them baby quilts, sent out the invitations and set up the decorations. I often wondered why I kept making new baby quilts. Why didn’t I just start giving away the quilts I had made for my baby? Deep inside I never really gave up my dream to be a mom. Somewhere, somehow, God must have a plan to resolve this situation. I wondered how people who didn’t know God and the peace He brings made it through life.
I always kept in mind how blessed I was to have such a wonderful husband and a happy marriage. Another blessing my husband and I enjoyed were our nieces. Our family is very close and being so involved in their lives helped Michael and I accept the fact that we had no children of our own.
One beautiful afternoon, Michael and I received a wonderful gift. Like most days I was busy in my office at work. When I answered my phone, I heard a very excited person on the other end. I found you a daughter!!!! We were to meet the birth mother that afternoon. I could hardly believe my ears! Michael and I were so excited! It was hard to concentrate on work the rest of that day. I wanted to tell everyone, but decided it would be best to keep my secret for now.
I remember praying that the Lord would handle this situation. I wanted Him, who is all knowing, to work out the details for everyone’s best interest. We wanted this precious child, but only if that was His will. I promised Him, that with His help, I would do all in my power to raise this child for Him.
Michael and I drove to the designated meeting location. I’ll never forget our first glimpse of Melanie being brought through the door. She was beautiful!!! We fell instantly in love with our little girl. We took our beautiful daughter home that evening. Our dreams were truly fulfilled. I especially enjoyed getting out all those baby quilts I had handmade.
One miracle after another had occurred throughout that day, placing the right person in the right place at the right time. God’s timing is always perfect. Never in a million years could we have engineered such a perfectly timed plan. Only God can work miracles. God always has a plan. Sometimes we just have to be patient enough for His will to be done. But the story doesn’t end here.
Several years went by, Melanie wanted a little brother or sister so much. Of course Michael and I did too. We began to make another child a matter of prayer. Time went by and God’s answer seemed to be no. We would trust His almighty knowledge and accept His answer. After all He knows the end from the beginning.
More time went by. We had quit even thinking about another child, but God hadn’t. Then it happened again. The phone rang with another miracle. Four days later Michael and I stood in the delivery room as little Steven was born. Michael even got to cut the cord! Our family was now complete. We were thrilled.
There is a God, a wonderful, all knowing God--a God who answers all prayers. Sometimes He says yes, sometimes no, and sometimes He says wait awhile. Sometimes His plans are totally different than the plans that we had imagined for ourselves. Never in a million years did I ever think I would thank God that I did not give birth to a child. After all, that had been my dream for such a long time. Every time I look at Melanie and Steven I thank God that I never gave birth because I love them so much. I can’t imagine my life without them, or their lives without Michael and I. All children are God’s creation. You may not carry a child in your womb, but you will carry that child in your heart.
Being a parent has helped me understand more clearly the tremendous love that God and Jesus have for us. It’s hard for me to imagine how God could give up His only Son Jesus to die for sinners. But He did, because He loves us that much! A God that loves you that much has a plan for you. God’s plan may not be your plan. It will be better! In heaven when all things are made known to us, we will never wish that our plan had worked out instead of God’s plan.
I know that prayer, faith, family, and friends helped us through our battle for a family. There is never a problem that can’t be fixed by God’s mighty power. I know, because He proved it to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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By Sue Luckstrum