Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Paul was flogged, shipwrecked, persecuted and imprisoned and yet he said, “That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)

I am learning what it means to persevere through a trial. It means when you get knocked down you bounce back with your faith still intact because you know Who is in charge of the situation.

So it means when I hear that my first IUI was not successful, I persevere - knowing God will work His perfect plan.

It means I resist the enemy (Satan). I resist him by not listening to the doubts and fears he tries to plant in my mind and heart.

For about three weeks now, I’ve been in a resting time. And it has been wonderful! But the time has almost come to, once again, get up and fight the battle. I know Satan is getting excited because he knows it is in the midst of a battle that he can bring me down.

But I must persevere. And when something knocks me down, I must get back up and continue the fight.

But I don’t fight empty-handed. In Ephesians 6, Scripture reveals armor God has given us to fight whatever comes our way. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

Much of the battle I face through infertility is my mind. Satan loves to make me think negative, to make the situation seem hopeless, and to make me feel like everything is a failure and I will never have the desire of my heart and become a mother.

And when you hear news like I heard on August 4th it is so easy to allow these thoughts to consume my mind. It is so easy to say, “Forget it. I quit.”

But God has called me to persevere through trials and not give up. And it is only through my perseverance that I will be able to one day fully see the glory of God be revealed in and through my present circumstances. If I give up now I am essentially saying, “God, you have no power”, but if I persevere, I am telling God, “God, I press forward because I know you press forward with me. And your grace is sufficient to give me everything I need to continue to fight. And I know, one day, your glory will be revealed and I will receive a blessing far greater than anyone can imagine today.”

And to all my prayer warriors out there, please join with me in prayer as a new cycle is about to begin. Your prayers are an essential part to this battle.

- Elaine