Letting God

by Crystal Paine

Crystal , What if it is God's will that you only have one child. Would you then build up your business and use your full potential? Please do not misunderstand I hope your dreams are fufilled and you are fruitful and multiply. But what if God needs you for something else? He may tell you that He needs you and your husband for a ministry. In order to fulfill this ministry He may not want you to follow in your mother's footsteps. Remember if Paul had a family how would he have had the time to write most of the NT and travel. I think you grew up fast in some ways because you helped your mother raise your sibilings and did a lot of household chores. But on the other hand you are like a child because you have been isolated from everything outside your church relm. Don't put God in a box let Him determine how we use the gifts He gave us. ICorinthians 7 According to Paul God is giving options. Both singles and marriage are gifts from God and both are valuable in accomplishing his purposes. Please consider this because not everyone is called for children and family. That does not mean they are selfish. - Georgia

Hi, again, Georgia ! Thanks for your comment. I think one thing you need to realize right off the bat is that we differ in our definition of "using your full potential." In my view, I am completely utilizing my full potential. I have an absolutely wonderful life and I don't wish for anything more.

My husband and I talk often about the fact that Kathrynne might be our only child and I've written about this before. I believe that God is in control of every atom of the universe, that He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, that He will provide for our every single need (if we only will trust Him to), and that He will never give us more than we can handle. I also believe that children are a blessing, a treasure, and a gift from the Lord. I believe that Scripture is very clear that the greatest work anyone can do in this lifetime is to raise and train the next generation for the glory of God.

With all of that in mind, I believe that we should desire to freely embrace and welcome as many children as the Lord would give us. With that said, I despise the oft-used phrase "letting God control our family." Why? Because we don't have to let God do anything. Rather, I want God to be our family planner. Our family size is in His control. He knows how many or few children we need to be used for His greatest glory and good. And whatever He chooses is best. I will gladly and joyfully follow His leading.

I don't believe most people would think I've been isolated from everything outside of a church realm. But that's probably a subject for an entirely different post. I do believe that we should be "in the world, not of the world" -- finding that balance is sometimes a bit difficult.

Concerning marriage versus singleness, I encourage you to read my previous posts on this subject which can be found here and here. The feminist movement has radically altered the church's view of marriage to the point where singleness is held up in higher esteem than marriage. What a sad state our modern churches are in. It breaks my heart and how much more it must break the heart of God!

Crystal Paine is a 24-year-old homeschool graduate from Topeka, Kansas. She is the blessed wife of Jesse and joyful mother of Kathrynne. Visit her site, Biblical Womanhood, for books, articles, encouragement, and inspiration!

We'd love to consider publishing your articles as well! Click here to submit your article and we will be glad to review it for possible inclusion on our website!  

Receive weekly encouragement, be the first to find out about sales and new products, and be notified of specials for newsletter subscribers only!

First Name:
E-Mail Address:

Interested in advertising on this page? Click here to find out how you can!